Niger Under Fire: 2-Hour Gunfight and Explosions Rock Capital Near Presidential Palace

Niger Under Fire: 2-Hour Gunfight and Explosions Rock Capital Near Presidential Palace

Niger’s capital, Niamey, was hit by heavy gunfire and explosions on Saturday, with an attack targeting the airport and a security perimeter near the presidency, according to observers.

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disasters

Heavy gunfire and explosions shook Niger’s capital on Saturday, with the assault lasting roughly two hours and targeting the airport and a security perimeter near the presidency, according to observers [230266]. National television went off the air following a night of blasts, and residents reported hearing explosions near a military base close to the international airport [230054]. That base has already been attacked twice this year by rival jihadist groups [230054][230075].

The source of the latest shooting remains unclear, and no group has yet claimed responsibility [230075][230266]. Authorities have not issued an official statement on the incident, and there is no immediate word on casualties or damage [230075][230266]. The situation underscores ongoing instability in the region, where the military base has been a repeated target of jihadist attacks [230054][230266].

Witnesses described intense bursts of automatic weapons fire and at least two large blasts in the city center, with sounds beginning in the morning and continuing intermittently for several hours [230032]. Security forces were deployed across key intersections, and local media reported that the main airport remained open but that some roads were blocked [230032]. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors as the situation develops [230032].

Sources

Gunfire and explosions rock Niger’s capital near presidential palace #230266Niger’s Military Base Attacked: TV Signal Cut After Gunfire and Explosions #230054Gunfire Erupts Near Niger Air Base After Jihadist Attacks #230075Gunfire and explosions rock Niger's capital Niamey #230032

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