Gunfire, explosions reported near military base in Niger capital

Overnight gunfire and explosions were reported in several parts of Niger's capital, Niamey, early Saturday, according to residents and witnesses.

Social media posts reported shooting near "Base 101" and within the capital's administrative district, home to the presidential palace and national television headquarters.

Videos circulating online showed armed and armored vehicles moving through parts of the city, although the footage and its timing should be independently verified.

The source of the gunfire remains unclear, and no official statement had been issued at the time of reporting.

Niamey's airport military base was attacked by Islamic State militants in January.

Niger's military government said 20 attackers were killed and four soldiers wounded in the assault.

Niger has been under military rule since a July 2023 coup.

It later joined Mali and Burkina Faso in withdrawing from ECOWAS and forming the Alliance of Sahel States, while strengthening security ties with Russia.

Despite the regional shift, the three countries continue to face a long-running jihadist insurgency involving Islamic State-linked groups and al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM.