Mutinous Soldiers Attack Airport, Palace in Niger's Capital
- On Saturday, sustained gunfire and explosions rocked Niamey, Niger's capital, as a security source reported that "terrorists" attacked Diori Hamani International Airport and attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidency.
- Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger's Bureau of the Consultative Council, said attackers targeted Base 101, a major military installation, and that security forces regained control of the situation.
- A second security source told Reuters that attackers had been "neutralised" while others fled, though Reuters could not immediately verify the claims following search operations launched by security forces.
- General Abdourahamane Tiani's junta has governed Niger since ousting President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, while the nation joined Mali and Burkina Faso in the Alliance of Sahel States to counter Islamist insurgencies.
- Deadly attacks killed at least 44 civilians in Niger earlier in 2026, illustrating persistent Sahelian violence despite military rulers pledging to improve security against ongoing jihadi insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.
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Niger: The situation remains uncertain Saturday afternoon in Niamey, where there are reports of exchanges of fire between the presidential guard and mutineers.
Defense Minister Salifou Mody called on the population to remain calm after the shootings at sensitive points in the capital.
Gunfire and explosions in the capital, near the presidential palace and the airport base. The junta speaks of a suppressed mutiny, while Niger continues to suffer jihadist attacks and reveals new cracks within its borders. The article "Niger plunges back into chaos: the junta caught between jihadists and rebels" comes from La Verità.
Gold- and uranium-rich West African country faces another coup threat three years after military takeover as soldiers attack presidency
Niger is facing fresh political uncertainty after mutinous soldiers attacked strategic sites in the capital, Niamey, including the international airport and presidency, in one of the most serious challenges to the military government since it seized power in 2023.
🇳🇪 In Niger, explosions and gunfire have been heard since last night in Niamey, particularly around the airport and the presidential palace. While the reasons for these clashes remain unclear, the junta claims to be "regaining control" of the situation. Military barracks are on high alert.
Rebel soldiers sparked armed clashes in Niger's capital on Saturday, but the ruling junta said it had largely regained control after hours of intense fighting around some of its key sites.
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