Unrest in Niger’s capital after explosions and gunfire near Niamey airport
Updated with further details
unexpected violence erupts near Niamey airport
Intense explosions and sustained gunfire erupted in the early hours of Thursday near Niger’s Niamey International Airport, according to a Reuters correspondent on the ground.
The gunfire, which began nearly an hour earlier, was still audible at 00:12 GMT, the journalist reported.
A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) captured the night sky over the capital illuminated by muzzle flashes. However, Reuters could not independently verify the footage.
military government silent amid ongoing clashes
A spokesperson for Niger’s military government—installed in 2023 following a coup—could not be reached for immediate comment despite multiple attempts.
regional threat of jihadist insurgency
Like its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger continues to face a severe security challenge from armed insurgencies linked to Al Qaïda and the Islamic State.