Gunfire, explosions shake Niger Republic capital as attackers target Airport

Gunshots and explosions were heard in several parts of Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, early Saturday as armed attackers targeted Diori Hamani International Airport.

The airport is home to an air force base and other major military facilities. It is located about 10 kilometres from the presidential palace.

Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Bureau of the Consultative Council and a deputy in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) parliament, confirmed the attack in a Facebook post.

He said the attackers targeted Base 101 but added that Niger’s defence and security forces had brought the situation under control.

It was not immediately clear who carried out the attack or whether anyone was killed or injured.

However, a security source told Reuters that terrorists had attempted to break through the security perimeter around the presidential area.

Niger’s Defence Ministry said the armed forces were gradually regaining control of the affected areas. The statement was read on state television, which had temporarily stopped broadcasting before returning to air on Saturday.

The latest attack comes about two months after another attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in June.

That attack reportedly killed 11 members of the security forces and two civilians. Authorities said 22 attackers were also killed, while 20 suspects were arrested. Weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operation.

The airport was also attacked in January, with Islamic State claiming responsibility for that incident.

Niger has been under military rule since July 2023, when General Abdourahamane Tchiani led a coup that removed former President Mohamed Bazoum from power.

Since the coup, Niger has reduced its ties with traditional Western allies and strengthened its relationship with Russia. It has also deepened cooperation with neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, which are both under military rule.