Dhaka, June 19 -- At least 35 people have been killed after armed attackers launched an assault on Niger's largest international airport in the capital Niamey, reports BBC.

The attack took place early Thursday at Diori Hamani International Airport, which also hosts military facilities.

According to Niger's defence ministry, those killed included 22 attackers, 11 soldiers and two civilians.

Residents said explosions and gunfire were heard shortly after morning prayers.

Security forces later repelled the attack and launched operations to track down any remaining assailants, the British broadcaster said.

The Al-Qaeda-linked group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the assault later in the day.

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