Heavy gunshots, explosions in Niger capital

Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard in several parts of Niger's capital, Niamey, early on Saturday. The attacks targeted Diori Hamani International Airport, a major military installation called Base 101, and the area around the presidential palace.

According to a witness, heavy and persistent gunfire was heard around the palace, while shooting resumed near the airport at about 2am local time. Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger's Bureau of the Consultative Council, said the attackers had targeted Base 101 but that security forces had regained control, as reported by Daily Post Nigeria.

A security source told Reuters that “terrorists” had attacked the airport and attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidency. The Daily Post Nigeria reported that gunfire and explosions lasted for over 30 minutes near the Nigerien Presidential Palace, starting after 1 am and lasting about 2 to 3 hours. Some attackers were “neutralised” and others fled, according to a second security source.

Brief written by urgent.news from Premium Times, Daily Post Nigeria, France 24, The National Business, The National UAE — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.