Sustained heavy gunfire and loud explosions have been reported near Niger's capital, Niamey, specifically around the Diori Hamani International Airport. Witnesses indicated that air defense systems engaged in defense against unidentified projectiles during the early hours of Thursday. While the violence subsided, with reports stating the situation is now under control, the cause of the blasts has not yet been clarified and no official casualties have been announced.
Residents living near the airport described experiencing the blasts as they occurred shortly after midnight. One local resident recounted, We didn't sleep last night. Our room and the whole house was shaking from the gunshots and explosions. Another remarked on the intensity of the gunfire, stating, Yesterday was the first time I have ever heard gunfire. We were so scared.
Unconfirmed reports pointed to unknown assailants possibly throwing explosive devices toward the airport before engaging security forces in a gunfight. This violent episode led to several flights being diverted, as confirmed by FlightRadar24.
In the wake of the attacks, a heavy security presence was established around the airport area on Thursday morning. Niger, under the leadership of Abdourahamane Tiani, who assumed power in a 2023 coup, is grappling with instability and increased attacks from jihadists in the region. Amid these tensions, supporters of the military government publicly demonstrated their backing shortly after the attack.
The airport, located approximately 10km from the presidential palace and housing a military air force base, has become the focus of heightened security measures and scrutiny regarding the potential nexus of the gunfire to unresolved legal issues surrounding uranium shipments, as Niger is a key producer of this mineral. A foreign affairs ministry official reassured the public, stating, The situation is under control. There is no need to worry, though additional details regarding the incident remain undisclosed.
Residents living near the airport described experiencing the blasts as they occurred shortly after midnight. One local resident recounted, We didn't sleep last night. Our room and the whole house was shaking from the gunshots and explosions. Another remarked on the intensity of the gunfire, stating, Yesterday was the first time I have ever heard gunfire. We were so scared.
Unconfirmed reports pointed to unknown assailants possibly throwing explosive devices toward the airport before engaging security forces in a gunfight. This violent episode led to several flights being diverted, as confirmed by FlightRadar24.
In the wake of the attacks, a heavy security presence was established around the airport area on Thursday morning. Niger, under the leadership of Abdourahamane Tiani, who assumed power in a 2023 coup, is grappling with instability and increased attacks from jihadists in the region. Amid these tensions, supporters of the military government publicly demonstrated their backing shortly after the attack.
The airport, located approximately 10km from the presidential palace and housing a military air force base, has become the focus of heightened security measures and scrutiny regarding the potential nexus of the gunfire to unresolved legal issues surrounding uranium shipments, as Niger is a key producer of this mineral. A foreign affairs ministry official reassured the public, stating, The situation is under control. There is no need to worry, though additional details regarding the incident remain undisclosed.
