France, June 19 -- The attack began early on Thursday and lasted for several hours. Niger's defence minister said security forces repelled the assault, killing 22 attackers and arresting around 20 suspects.

In a statement the minister said "13 martyrs - including 11 members of the defence and security forces - and two civilians" had died in the "treacherous attempted incursion". Four others were wounded.

The ministry added that a "large-scale operation" by the army was under way at the international airport, which remained fully secured and open to air traffic.

A separate statement from Niger's civil aviation agency said normal operations at the airport had resumed.

In a brief statement published on Thursday evening on its propaganda ...