Niger: Military claims coup attempt thwarted in capital

Niger's military government announced early Monday that it had thwarted a coup attempt in the capital, Niamey. The government stated that mutinous soldiers attacked several targets overnight, but the armed forces have since regained control.

According to a statement read on state television, the unrest began with the detention of fellow soldiers at a military base near the international airport. The rebels then expanded their attacks, leading to several hours of gunfire and explosions heard throughout the city. A reporter for the German Press Agency (dpa) indicated the disturbances lasted approximately six hours.

“

The armed forces have contained the attacks and regained control of the affected locations.

An unnamed military officer told dpa that the airport was temporarily seized by the insurgents, along with the state television building. However, security forces successfully defended the presidential palace. The state television broadcast was interrupted for several hours, and parts of the capital experienced power outages during the night.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed that the armed forces contained the attacks and regained control of the affected areas. The situation remains tense as the government asserts its authority following the brief but significant challenge.

“

The rebels had seized the airport and, for a time, the state television building.