Gunfire and explosions heard near military base in Niger's capital
Local residents heard gunfire and explosions overnight in Niger’s capital, Niamey, near a military base at an international airport which was attacked twice this year by jihadists.
Gunfire and explosions were heard overnight in Niger's capital, Niamey, near a military base and the international airport. According to security sources, the city’s international airport, Diori Hamani International Airport, and a major military base, Base 101, were attacked.
The cause of the attack was not immediately clear, but a security source described the attackers as “terrorists”. The attackers attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidential palace. Heavy and persistent gunfire was heard around the palace and near the airport, which resumed at about 2am local time.
Security forces reportedly regained control of the situation, launched search operations, and “neutralised” some attackers while others fled. Footage circulating online appeared to show several wounded people, although authorities have not released an official casualty count, according to The National Business and The National UAE.
Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, The National Business, The National UAE — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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