The source says mutinous soldiers control the airport and other military personnel are joining them, while the Presidential Guard continues to resist with heavy weapons. The situation around state television and radio remains unclear.
A military source in Niger has described the ongoing events in the capital, Niamey, as an attempted military coup, saying that mutinous soldiers have taken control of Diori Hamani International Airport and that other military personnel are joining them.
The source added that the Presidential Guard is still resisting and engaging the mutineers with heavy weapons, meaning the outcome of the confrontation has not yet been decided.
A media source inside Niamey said military positions had been established around the headquarters of national television and radio. However, the source stressed that it was not possible to say that either broadcaster had been taken over.
The same source said military units stationed around Niamey appeared to be returning to the capital as reinforcements, amid continued uncertainty over their loyalties and role in the unfolding events.
The new accounts follow hours of heavy gunfire and explosions reported near Diori Hamani International Airport, Air Base 101 and the presidential district. Security forces have also deployed at several strategic locations across the capital.
Earlier, a Nigerien official said Air Base 101 had come under attack and that the situation had been brought under control. The latest information from the military source, however, suggests that fighting is continuing and that the situation remains unresolved.
Niger’s authorities have called on residents to remain calm and vigilant and to avoid circulating unverified information, without officially confirming that an attempted coup is underway.
No official statement has yet identified those behind the military action, confirmed that the airport has been seized or disclosed casualty figures.
The situation remains highly fluid. Claims concerning the attempted coup, control of the airport and the alignment of military units are based on sources inside Niamey and have not yet been independently or officially verified.
