Rebel Soldiers Storm Niger Capital, Battle Presidential Guard
Rebel soldiers launched an overnight assault on Niger’s capital, Yamai, triggering intense clashes with the presidential guard and sending residents into panic.
The fighting began in the early hours of Saturday, with heavy gunfire and loud explosions reported around Camp 101, a military base near the capital’s airport.
Niger’s Defence Ministry said soldiers from the base opened fire on several important locations in the city, blaming the attack on what it described as liberation forces.
A statement signed by Defence Minister General Salifou Mody and read on national television said the military was working to restore control over the affected areas.
A security source told AFP that some of the rebels attempted to enter the presidential palace but were stopped by the presidential guard.
“Some rebels from the Nigerien military tried to enter the presidential palace,” the source said.
“The presidential guard pushed them back. The exchange of fire continues at the palace.”
The presidential guard is reportedly loyal to President General Abdourahamane Tiani, according to an African diplomat in the United States.
The military said rebels had also kidnapped soldiers at a base close to the airport, while government forces were gradually regaining control of the situation.
Authorities appealed to residents to remain calm, continue their activities cautiously and avoid circulating unverified information.
“Our security forces have been mobilized to defend our country,” the military said in an earlier statement.
Residents described a night of sustained violence, with gunfire reportedly heard from different parts of Yamai.
One resident said he saw a military vehicle heading towards the camp before turning around.
“The weapons we hear are not the kind used by the terrorists on motorcycles. There has been a relentless fighting since last night,” he said.
Another resident reported hearing gunshots around 5:00 a.m., while a local journalist said the shooting had continued from about 1:00 a.m. into the morning.
The national broadcaster, Tele Sahel, was also forced off air for more than an hour before resuming transmission at about 10:00 a.m. local time.
Residents said soldiers blocked access to the presidential palace and the national television station as security forces moved to contain the attack.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show armoured vehicles deployed near the airport, while reports from residents indicated continued security operations around government facilities.
Authorities have not yet released a complete account of casualties or the extent of damage caused by the clashes.
