Niger forces repel airport attack

Nigerien security forces engaged in an hours-long shootout with gunmen at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the nation's main international gateway. The attackers infiltrated the facility by driving through the main gate in a civilian car. No group has claimed responsibility, but Islamist militants are suspected given the region's active insurgency. The incident adds to a recent pattern of attacks targeting Niger's critical infrastructure. Security forces managed to repel the assault, though casualty figures have not yet been released.