ALGIERS, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Thursday strongly condemned a terrorist attack targeting Diori Hamani International Airport and a military air base in Niamey, the capital of Niger, which reportedly killed 11 security members and two civilians.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Algeria expressed its "strong condemnation and deep denunciation" of the attack, reaffirming its full solidarity with the government and people of Niger during what it described as "a painful ordeal".
The statement said Algeria stands firmly with Niger in the face of the "heinous attack" aimed at undermining the security and stability of the neighboring country.
Algeria also reiterated its support for the Nigerien authorities in their efforts to combat terrorism and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation to address threats to peace and security in the shared regional space.
Earlier on Thursday, local media reported that security forces killed 22 terrorists involved in the assault. ■