Heavy gunfire and blasts heard near airport in Niger's capital

Heavy gunfire and loud explosions were heard near Niamey's airport in Niger's capital, Niamey, on Thursday morning. The blasts occurred shortly after midnight and continued for approximately two hours before calming down, according to eyewitness accounts and videos showing air defence systems engaging unidentified projectiles. It is unclear what caused the blasts or if there were any casualties. The situation was reportedly under control by a Foreign Affairs ministry official, who declined to elaborate. The airport houses an air force base and is located near the presidential palace, where Niger's military government has been fighting jihadist groups. A huge uranium shipment destined for export had been stuck at the airport due to unresolved legal and diplomatic complications with France.

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