Brazen attack on Niger’s airport shows jihadis are expanding to cities in Africa’s Sahel Gunfire and explosions at Niger’s international airport signal a concerning trend of armed groups targeting urban centers in Africa’s Sahel. This shift indicates a competition for influence and territory within cities. Analysts interpret these attacks as a growing strategy by these groups.

• Armed groups are increasingly targeting cities and urban centers in Africa’s Sahel region.
• The recent attack on Niger’s main international airport is evidence of this expanding strategy.
• These groups are competing for influence and territories within urban areas.