Russia condemns Niamey airport attack, pledges support for government
The Russian Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned the armed assault on Niamey's international airport and pledged support for President Abdourahamane Tchiani's government, vowing solidarity with Niger following clashes that killed dozens of security personnel and civilians.
Deadly airport assault
Russia's Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned an armed assault on Niamey's international airport, with spokeswoman Maria Zakharova saying Moscow is concerned by the violence that erupted at the West African transport hub on Thursday. At least 22 attackers were killed and approximately 21 suspects arrested in the exchange of fire, according to a provisional toll released by Niger's Defense Ministry.
The authorities reported that 11 defense and security personnel as well as two civilians were killed, with four people injured in the clashes.
Moscow blames Paris for violence
Zakharova cited information from Niger's Ministry of National Defense and said the attackers were armed mercenaries acting for France. "Russia strongly condemns this latest attack by terrorists seeking to undermine the stability of the Confederation of Sahel States," she said, vowing that Moscow would stand with the people and leadership of Niger.
Kremlin backs Sahel allies
The Russian Foreign Ministry also expressed specific solidarity with President Abdourahamane Tchiani, who has led the West African nation since a military takeover last year. Niger belongs to the Confederation of Sahel States, a regional alliance formed by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso following military takeovers that have reshaped the security landscape across the Sahel.
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