Residents of Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, were thrown into panic early Thursday after heavy gunfire erupted around the Diori Hamani International Airport, raising fears of another militant attack.
Witnesses reported hearing sustained gunshots and explosions near the airport facility, prompting heightened security measures and concern among travellers and residents.
The incident comes barely five months after jihadists launched an attack on the same airport.
Although authorities had yet to issue a detailed statement at press time, the latest violence underscores the worsening security challenges facing the military led government, which has struggled to contain insurgent activities since seizing power three years ago.
Niger, along with several countries in the Sahel region, has faced increasing attacks by armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, with security forces battling to stem the tide of violence.
