NIAMEY, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Dense gunfire and powerful explosions were heard in the area of the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, in the early hours on Thursday, sparking the concern of local residents.
Residents near the airport said the gunfire and explosions began shortly "after midnight" (around 2300 GMT) and lasted for about two hours. Meanwhile, multiple users on the social media platform X posted videos and messages saying that flashes of light were seen in the night sky around the airport, coupled with continuous gunfire.
As of now, the situation has returned to calm, with all military camps in Niamey placed on alert.
Government authorities and airport management have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, and there has been no official confirmation of casualties so far.
Diori Hamani International Airport is located about 10 km from Niger's presidential palace. The airport houses a Nigerien Air Force base, a newly built drone base, and the headquarters of a joint force formed by Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. The force is tasked with combating jihadist groups.
As a major global producer and exporter of uranium, Niger currently has large quantities of uranium ore stored at Diori Hamani International Airport, awaiting export. ■
