Gunfire and explosions shake Niamey after attackers target airport and presidency

Niamey, Niger's capital, experienced intense gunfire and explosions early Saturday after assailants targeted the city's international airport and attempted to breach security around the presidential palace, according to witnesses and a security source cited by Reuters. Multiple Reuters witnesses reported intense gun battles near Diori Hamani International Airport and the presidential complex.

A security source described the attackers as "terrorists," stating they had initially struck the airport before attempting to infiltrate the area surrounding the presidential palace. Reuters was unable to independently confirm this account. Nigerien deputy and member of the Alliance of Sahel States, Bana Wagana Ibrahim, later reported on Facebook that military and security forces had reasserted control and that the situation had been brought under control.

There was no immediate statement from Niger's military government. Witnesses reported sustained gunfire and loud explosions throughout the night, particularly around the airport complex and the Plateau district, home to the presidential palace and other critical state institutions. Niger has been under military rule since a July 2023 coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power.

The current military government, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, has distanced itself from Western partners and formed closer ties with Russia, following a similar pattern to neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso. Both countries have been grappling with armed groups linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State, and have faced numerous deadly attacks this year, including a March incident that left at least 44 civilians dead.

The airport and adjacent military facilities have become prime targets, reflecting escalating violence that had previously been mostly limited to areas outside the capital.