Gunfire and explosions reported in Niger’s capital, local media and witness say

Niamey, Niger experienced heavy gunfire and explosions overnight into Saturday morning, according to an Associated Press witness and local media. The gunfire began past midnight near the Diori Hamani International Airport, which houses a significant military base, and continued into the Plateau administrative district, where the Presidential Palace and key institutions are located. This marks the third time this year the airport has faced unrest.

Local media reported shots fired in the Plateau administrative district, home to the Presidential Palace and important institutions. The ruling military council, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, announced that the military has been deployed. They posted on Facebook, "Our Defence and Security Forces are mobilized for the Defense of the Fatherland. Let us remain united, vigilant and supportive."

The cause of the gunfire and explosions remains unclear, although a local lawmaker labeled it a "cowardly attack." The airport area has been targeted twice by jihadist groups in recent months, as growing pressure mounts on Niger's struggling military junta.