Explosions and Gunfire Disrupt Niamey Airport

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Intense gunfire and explosions erupted early Thursday in the vicinity of Diori Hamani International Airport situated in Niamey, Niger’s capital, as per local witnesses and AFP reports. The disturbance incited fear in surrounding neighborhoods where people reported loud detonations and observed flames leaping into the air.

Footage shared by residents captured bright flashes, powerful blasts, burning vehicles, and dense smoke billowing from the airport area. The gunfire reportedly commenced shortly after midnight, lasting roughly two hours before tranquillity was restored.

Diori Hamani International Airport is located approximately 10 kilometers from the presidential palace and is home to an air force base. It serves as a crucial security site and accommodates the headquarters of a joint military entity created by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali aimed at combating militant threats.

As of now, there are no verified reports of casualties, and the specifics surrounding the incident remain ambiguous. Witnesses noted the arrival of fire trucks and the sound of emergency sirens converging on the airport.

Since a coup in 2023, Niger has been under the governance of military leader Abdourahamane Tiani, following the ousting of the elected civilian administration. The airport has recently drawn attention due to a significant uranium consignment that has been stranded there for several weeks.

There has yet to be an official statement released by authorities regarding this incident.