Gunfire erupts in Niger's capital near airport and presidential palace

Niger's capital, Niamey, was rocked by intense gunfire and explosions early Saturday, marking the third major disturbance in the city this year. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots in various parts of the city as armed assailants attacked the Diori Hamani International Airport and attempted to breach the presidential palace's security perimeter.

Security forces launched a full counter-attack, engaging in a fierce firefight with the militants. Official representatives from the Sahel States Alliance (AES) confirmed that security forces successfully suppressed the attackers and reasserted control. Several militants were killed during the confrontation, and security forces are currently conducting sweeps and searches in the affected areas.

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On August 29, at exactly 01:15 local time, gunfire and heavy weapons fire were heard in the direction of Niamey Airport and near the Nigerien presidency.

This attack poses the latest security threat to the military government led by Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in a coup in 2023. Despite Tiani's pledges to improve national security, armed attacks by Islamic jihadist organizations persist. Niger, a significant producer of uranium, has experienced considerable political instability in recent years.

The military government has been progressively severing ties with Western nations and deepening its alliance with Russia, also withdrawing from the Economic Community of West African States. Despite vows to eradicate extremist groups, rebel activities linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State remain rampant, with branches of these organizations having previously attacked areas near the airport in January and June of this year.

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According to preliminary reports, the Islamic State – Sahel Province (ISSP) has launched an assault on the capital.