Russia says its forces helped Nigerien troops repel an attack by ISIL on the Diori Hamani international airport in the capital, Niamey. Moscow’s Foreign Ministry said the assault was stopped through joint efforts by Russia’s Defence Ministry African Corps and Niger’s armed forces.
Niger’s military authorities earlier confirmed that “Russian partners” assisted in fending off the attack, in which 20 attackers were killed and four soldiers wounded. State television said at least 11 fighters were captured during the operation.
ISIL claimed responsibility for what it described as a surprise and coordinated attack on the airport and adjoining military base on the night of January 28.
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Russia said Niger’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, later visited a Russian base in Niamey to express gratitude for what Moscow described as a high level of professionalism.
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