Dense gunfire and powerful explosions were heard in the area of the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, in the early hours on Thursday, sparking the concern of residents.
Residents near the airport said the gunfire and explosions began shortly after midnight and lasted for about two hours.
A video shared on social media platform X appeared to show the city’s night skyline illuminated by continuous gunfire, though Reuters has not independently verified the footage.
As of now, the situation has returned to calm, with all military camps in Niamey placed on alert.
Government authorities and airport management have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, and there has been no official confirmation of casualties so far.
Diori Hamani International Airport is located about 10 km from Niger’s presidential palace.
The airport houses a Nigerien Air Force base, a newly built drone base, and the headquarters of a joint force formed by Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. The force is tasked with combating jihadist groups.
As a major global producer and exporter of uranium, Niger currently has large quantities of uranium ore stored at Diori Hamani International Airport, awaiting export.
A spokesperson for Niger Republic’s military government, which seized power in a July 2023 coup, was not immediately available for comment.
The Sahel West African nation, like neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, has struggled to contain attacks from jihadist groups with links to al Qaeda and Islamic State, that have killed thousands and displaced millions in the three nations.
Additional reports by Reuters
