At least 35 people were killed when gunmen attacked Niger’s largest airport in the capital Niamey early Thursday, according to the country’s defense ministry. The dead included 22 attackers, 11 soldiers, and two civilians. Authorities said the assault occurred near Diori Hamani International Airport shortly after dawn prayers, marking the second such attack in less than five months. An al-Qaeda-linked group claimed responsibility for the violence.

The ministry reported that four attackers were injured and 20 suspects detained. Security forces seized RPG-7 launchers, AK-47 rifles, explosives, grenades, communication equipment, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Local residents described hearing explosions and gunfire soon after morning prayers. The fighting was brought under control before mid-morning, and security forces launched a pursuit operation for fleeing assailants.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf condemned the attack and praised Niger’s security forces. The country has been battling Islamist insurgencies for over a decade, with a similar attack claimed by an Islamic State-linked group at the same airport in January.