Russia says it helped to repel Niger attempted coup

Russia claimed on Sunday its forces played a crucial role in thwarting an attempted coup in Niger on Saturday. The explosions and gunfire erupted early in the morning in the capital, Niamey, targeting a key military airbase and the presidential palace. Later, Niger's authorities reported the rebellion was quashed. The Moscow foreign ministry credited "servicemen of the African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defence" for their assistance.

Moscow also pledged ongoing support for Niger in its fight against extremists, stressing that the situation was now under control of the legitimate authorities led by President Abdourahmane Tiani.

The African Corps, a Russian security partnership, has proven vital for several Sahel military governments grappling with jihadist insurgencies. The East African States Alliance - comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso - labeled the attempted coup a "betrayal" by a faction of soldiers involved in destabilization attempts. The exact number of soldiers involved or casualties remain undisclosed by Niger's authorities.

President Tiani, who assumed office last year following a military coup against the elected leader, has not made any public statements regarding the incident. State broadcaster aired footage showing alleged mutineers being apprehended by the Presidential Guard.

On Sunday, Niger Press Agency reported a return to normal commercial activities, with petrol stations, shops and other businesses reopening. Supporters of the government rallied at a public square in Niamey to show solidarity with security forces and Tiani's administration. Air Base 101, the military site attacked, forms part of the Diori Hamani airport complex, home to Nigerien military aircraft, drones and an Alliance of Sahel States counter-terrorism unit.

Russian and Italian forces are stationed there as well, reported Reuters. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso are all military regimes that have severed ties with Western partners and deepened their collaboration with Russia. However, jihadist violence remains rampant across all three nations, even with the new alliances. The government's response to the mutiny underscores the ongoing struggle of these military-ruled regimes to combat external insurgencies and internal dissent.

Following the attempted takeover, security forces have heightened patrols around key sites in Niamey, including the main airport entrance and presidential pavilion.