Sustained heavy gunfire and loud explosions have been heard in Niger near the international airport outside the capital, Niamey. Multiple eyewitness accounts and videos showed air defence systems apparently engaging unidentified projectiles in the early hours of Thursday. The situation later calmed down, with an official reportedly saying that it was now under control without elaborating on the specifics. Reports indicate the gunfire and blasts began shortly after midnight, and residents experienced significant fear as they heard the chaos. One resident mentioned that shots were fired from outside the airport, targeting planes, while other locals expressed their anxiety about the events unfolding nearby. Unofficial reports suggested that unknown assailants may have thrown explosive devices towards the airport area before security forces responded. Consequently, several flights bound for Niamey were diverted. The incident prompted a heavy security deployment around the airport on Thursday morning, as it houses an air force base located about 10 km from the presidential palace. Niger, led by Abdourahamane Tiani following a 2023 coup, has faced challenges with jihadist insurgents in the region, similar to its neighbors Burkina Faso and Mali. Supporters of the military government took to the streets of Niamey to show their backing for the authorities, amidst ongoing tensions related to the country’s key uranium exports, which have been impacted by diplomatic conflicts with France.