Heavy gunfire and explosions rocked Niger’s capital, Niamey, near the international airport, with air defense systems engaging unidentified projectiles. The incident occurred shortly after midnight, and calm returned after two hours. Officials say the situation is under control, but the cause and potential casualties are unclear.

The airport, located about 10km from the presidential palace, houses an air force base and is a key military hub. A significant uranium shipment is stuck at the airport due to legal and diplomatic issues with France, following Niger’s nationalization of uranium mines.

The country, led by Abdourahamane Tiani after a 2023 coup, has been battling jihadist groups and recently expelled French and US forces. Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have formed a joint force to combat terrorism and created the Alliance of Sahel States.