Heavy gunfire heard in Niger's capital; presidential palace, airport targeted

Niger's capital, Niamey, was rocked by intense gunfire and explosions early this morning, primarily targeting the Diori Hamani International Airport and areas surrounding the Presidential Palace. Reports from national media indicate that the violence spread across various parts of the city, disrupting the peace.

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Intense gunfire was heard around Diori Hamani International Airport and the Presidential Palace in Niger's capital, Niamey.

The Base 101 military facility, located within the airport complex, was also reportedly attacked. Following the coordinated assaults, Nigerien security forces swiftly responded, regaining control of the affected areas. An operation was subsequently launched, which sources claim resulted in the neutralization of some assailants, while others managed to flee the scene.

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The attackers targeted Diori Hamani International Airport and attempted to breach the security cordon around the Presidential Palace.

As of now, the perpetrators behind these coordinated attacks remain unidentified. The Nigerien government has yet to release an official statement addressing the security breaches and the ongoing operations. This incident follows previous attacks on the Diori Hamani International Airport and its adjacent military base, which occurred twice in 2026.

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Following the attack on the Base 101 military base within the airport premises, security forces regained control of the area and launched an operation.