NIAMEY, Niger: A Niger mutiny attack targeted the capital’s airport and presidential complex early Saturday, with security sources saying troops repelled insurgents from within the armed forces.
Four sources described the assault to Reuters as an attack by mutinous soldiers. Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported around Diori Hamani International Airport, Base 101 and the presidential palace.
An AFP security source said Niger’s presidential guard stopped “insurgents from within the armed forces” from entering the palace. Shooting was still being reported around the complex during the morning.
Meanwhile, Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Consultative Council and the Alliance of Sahel States parliament, said security forces had regained control of Base 101. Reuters said it could not independently verify that claim.
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Gunfire resumed near the airport at about 3:13 a.m. local time on August 29, equivalent to 7:13 a.m. PKT, according to a Reuters witness. Security forces later launched searches for attackers who had fled.
Niger’s military authorities urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. They said defence and security forces had been mobilised to protect the country.
State television went off air for more than an hour before broadcasting resumed at about 10 a.m. local time, or 2 p.m. PKT. Authorities had not announced an official casualty toll by the latest reports.
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The identity and motive of the attackers have not been formally established. Earlier accounts described them as “terrorists,” while later security sources told Reuters and AFP that members of the armed forces were involved.
