Niger Rulers Say Army Mutiny Contained After Gunfire in Capital

Niger said it contained a mutiny by soldiers who detained some of their colleagues at a military base and fired on sites in the capital, the first major challenge from within the armed forces to the junta that seized power three years ago.

Niger’s national television was off air on Saturday after a night of heavy gunfire in parts of the capital, including around a military base near the city’s airport which has been attacked twice this year by jihadists. Niger has been ruled for three years by a military junta that has struggled to contain jihadist viole

A military junta has rule Niger for three years but has struggled to contend with jihadist violence.

Local media and witnesses say heavy gunfire and explosions were heard overnight into Saturday morning in Niger’s capital of Niamey

Local media and an Associated Press witness say heavy gunfire and explosions were heard overnight into Saturday morning in Niger’s capital of Niamey

Saturday’s attack, which observers said lasted for about two hours, targeted the airport and security perimeter near the presidency.

Gunfire and explosions reported in Niger’s capital, local media and witness say  Toronto Star

Gunfire and explosions reported in Niger’s capital, local media and witness say  AP News

Niger has been ruled for three years by a military junta that has struggled to contain jihadist violence, which has blighted the West African country for around a decade.

Residents of Niger's capital Niamey on Saturday reported hearing gunfire near a military base at the international airport, which has been attacked by jihadists twice this year.

Niger is ruled by a military junta like its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso. The three countries have struggled to contain jihadi violence in recent years.

DAKAR, Aug 29 - Sustained gunfire and explosions rang out across several areas of Niger's capital, Niamey, early on Saturday, according to two Reuters witnesses.

Sustained gunfire ‌and explosions rang out across several ⁠areas of Niger’s capital, Niamey, early on Saturday, according to ‌a ⁠Reuters witness.More to come…

Gunfire, blasts heard in several areas of Niger capital Niamey, witnesses say  Reuters