Gunfire, blasts heard in several areas of Niger capital Niamey
Mutinous soldiers in Niger launched an overnight attack on key military sites in the capital, Niamey, including the airport and areas near the presidential palace. The Ministry of Defence claims to have regained control, though the situation remains volatile.
Why it matters
The unrest highlights ongoing instability in Niger following the 2023 coup and poses significant security risks to the Sahel region.
Niger’s Defence Ministry says armed forces are retaking control of sites targeted in overnight attack.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Niger's Presidential Palace in Niamey [File: AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff , AFP and Reuters Published On 29 Aug 2026 29 Aug 2026 A group of soldiers in Niger has rebelled against officers at a key military base and fired at “sensitive sites” in the capital, Niamey, in an apparent collective mutiny, authorities say.
Sustained gunfire and explosions were heard overnight into Saturday in the city, including at the main airport that houses the military airbase, known as Base 101, and in the Plateau administrative district, where the presidential palace and key institutions are located.
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