Russian forces have helped Niger’s military authorities retake a key military base in the capital, Niamey, after it was seized by mutinous soldiers, according to diplomatic and security sources cited by AFP.
Members of Niger’s presidential guard, backed by Russian forces, recaptured the air base on Saturday after fighting broke out with soldiers involved in the mutiny.
“The presidential guard has retaken control of the air base with the help of the Russians,” a diplomatic source told AFP.
The source said several of the rebelling soldiers were killed during the operation, while two security sources confirmed that the base had been retaken.
The development comes amid renewed tensions within Niger’s military establishment and further highlights Russia’s growing security role in the West African country since the military seized power.
Further details on the clashes and the extent of Russian involvement were still emerging.
GISTSMATE MEDIA earlier reported that gunfire and explosions were heard on Saturday morning in Niger’s capital, Niamey, 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 violence, which has blighted the west African country for around a decade.
The origins of Saturday’s shooting were not immediately clear and authorities made no official comment.
“There is heavy gunfire and explosions at Base 101 in Niamey,” one local resident told AFP, a report confirmed by several other witnesses.
The first shots were heard at about 1:00 am local time (0000 GMT) and continued until daybreak, according to a video published by a local journalist filming the area around the airport.
WARNING: If You Are Not 18+, Don’t Click The Link Below 👇🫣
Did you want to monetize your website, join MONETAG or ADSKEEPER and start earning
Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it.
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.
Never Miss A Single News Or Gist, Kindly Join Us On WhatsApp Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vad8g81Eawdsio6INn3B
Telegram Channel:
https://t.me/gistsmateNG