Sustained heavy gunfire and loud explosions have been heard in Niger near the international airport outside the capital, Niamey.
Multiple eyewitness accounts and videos showed air defense systems apparently engaging unidentified projectiles in the early hours of Thursday.
Later reports indicated the situation calmed down, with an official stating it was under control without further details.
The cause of the blasts and any potential casualties remain unclear, as no official statement from the military government has been released.
The gunfire and explosions began shortly after midnight, according to residents of a nearby neighborhood. Calm returned after two hours.
The airport houses an air force base and is located about 10km from the presidential palace.
In recent times, Niger's military government, similar to neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, has been combatting jihadist groups responsible for numerous attacks in the region.
Niger is also a significant uranium producer, and complications regarding a major shipment stuck at the airport due to nationalization issues with France have added tension.
A Foreign Affairs ministry official reassured the public stating, The situation is under control. There is no need to worry, and indicated the investigation into whether the gunfire was linked to the uranium shipment is ongoing.
The country is currently led by Abdourahamane Tiani, who came to power through a coup in 2023 that ousted the elected civilian president.
