Niger says it regains control of airbase after soldiers mutiny
The base houses military aircraft, drones and an Alliance of Sahel States counter-terrorism unit after repeated attacks and battlefield losses, officials said.
- On Saturday, Niger government forces regained control of a key military airbase in Niamey after an attack by mutinous soldiers, in the latest challenge to military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani.
- Soldiers from Ouallam, Tera, and Dosso participated in the operation, where troops have sustained heavy casualties; analysts report mounting frustration within frontline units creating a new vulnerability for Tiani.
- State media reported the attack involved "hundreds of disaffected soldiers" lasting several hours; the airbase houses an Alliance of Sahel States counter-terrorism unit plus Russian and Italian forces.
- Russia's ambassador to Niger, Viktor Voropaev, confirmed the Kremlin-controlled paramilitary force Africa Corps received a request to neutralize the mutineers; the airbase faced prior attacks this year from Islamic State and Qaeda affiliates.
- Since the 2023 coup, Tiani has shifted away from Western partners toward Russia, seizing assets from France's Orano, which previously supplied about 15% of Europe's uranium under President Mohamed Bazoum.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Nigerien authorities said they retain control of a key airbase in the capital, Niamey, following attacks by mutinous soldiers the previous day, Western media reported.
Niger says it regains control of airbase after soldiers mutiny
Niger said it had regained control of a key military airbase in the capital Niamey after an attack by mutinous soldiers on Saturday, in the latest challenge to military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani as his government struggles to contain a jihadist insurgency.
Niger: Junta says back in control after mutiny
Gunfire and explosions have been reported in Niger, as mutinying soldiers attempted to storm the presidential palace in the capital, Niamey, in a challenge to the ruling junta. The government said it had regained control after hours of fighting on Saturday. Léo Paichard and Nick Rushworth report.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
