Local officials said the assault happened late Sunday when unidentified gunmen arrived on motorcycles and opened fire near the airport. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire both around the airport and in parts of the city centre.
The targeted base, built in 2022, is used by the Nigerien air force to operate drones in a region that frequently faces attacks by armed groups.
Although the surrounding region has seen repeated violence linked to extremist groups, Tahoua itself — a city of about 100,000 people — is usually less affected.
The incident comes weeks after militants linked to the Islamic State targeted the main airport in Niamey.
Niger has faced growing insecurity for more than a decade, mainly from groups linked to the Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. The country has been under military rule since the 2023 Niger coup d'état.
Authorities say it is still unclear who carried out the latest attack
