Tension rises in Niger! 'Rebel soldiers are clashing with the army'

Security measures were stepped up in Niamey, the capital of Niger, after gunfire and explosions were heard early this morning. While state radio and television channels were reported to be off the air, the government called on the public to remain calm and announced that security forces had been mobilized.

'HEAVY CASUALTIES REPORTED'

According to local sources, security forces responded to gunfire heard early this morning near Diori Hamani International Airport and the presidential palace. While some sources claimed that clashes broke out between attackers linked to the terrorist organization ISIS and security forces, it was alleged that security forces suffered heavy casualties during the clashes.

THEY RAIDED THE CHANNELS

Meanwhile, four sources claimed that the incident stemmed from a clash between rebel soldiers and the armed forces. Another source claimed that, as of 9:00 a.m. local time, the presidential palace was under the control of security forces, but that radio and television stations had fallen into the hands of mutinous soldiers and that control had not yet been established in some areas around the airport.'AN ATTACK WAS LANCED AGAINST THE AIR BASE'

Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of the Niger Advisory Council Office and the Sahel States Alliance (AES)—stated that the attackers had targeted the airbase known as “Base No. 101” but had been neutralized by security forces.

In his statement, Ibrahim said, “Another cowardly attack was carried out against Base No. 101, and our defense forces have once again prevailed. The situation is under control.” However, sources reported that gunfire and explosions continued hours after Ibrahim’s statement.The Nigerien government has not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the nature of the incident or the parties involved in the clashes.