In Niamey, the capital of Niger, heavy gunfire and explosions rang out early on Saturday morning as attackers targeted the Diori Hamani International Airport, attempted to breach the security perimeter of the presidential residence, and struck the military airbase known as Base 101. A security source described the assailants as "terrorists".

According to Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a representative of Niger's Bureau of the Consultative Council, security forces regained control of the area. However, a Reuters witness later reported further gunfire near the airport and loud explosions.

Another security source claimed that the attackers had been neutralized or forced to flee. Reuters was unable to independently verify these claims, and the military government did not immediately comment.

This is the third time Niamey has experienced serious unrest this year. Since the coup in July 2023, Niger has been under the military rule of General Abdourahaman Tiani and continues to face Islamist insurgents linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

At the same time, the country has strengthened its ties with Russia and, together with Mali and Burkina Faso, formed the Sahel Alliance.

(Reuters, bak)