The attack began at dawn on Thursday, when armed assailants arrived in taxis and attacked Diori Hamani International Airport.
The fighting then lasted for hours, according to witnesses. Several members of the armed group were shot. Over 20 of the attackers were killed and an equal number were arrested.
Niger's defense minister confirmed that eleven soldiers had died in the fighting and that civilians had also been killed.
Niger has been ruled by a military junta for three years. Islamist groups have long waged an armed resistance, and the fighting has intensified recently.
