Niger troops clash with presidential guard after palace attempt

Clashes erupt in Niger’s capital as troops attempt to enter the presidential palace. Learn more about the Niger coup attempt and ongoing situation.

Clashes erupted in Niger’s capital on Saturday between the presidential guard and elements of the armed forces, after a night of heavy gunfire in parts of the city. 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 a

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

Niger's presidential guard on Saturday repelled "insurgents within the armed forces" who tried to enter the presidential palace in Niamey

"Insurgents from within the armed forces" tried to enter the presidential palace in Niger's capital Niamey on Saturday, security sources told AFP, but were repelled by the presidential guard. Shooting is reportedly ongoing at the palace.