Heavy gunfire and blasts heard near airport in Niger's capital

[muriel_volestrangler]

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 defence systems apparently engaging unidentified projectiles in the early hours of Thursday.

The situation later calmed down, reports say, with an official reportedly saying the situation was now under control, without elaborating.
...
A huge uranium shipment destined for export has been stuck at the airport amid unresolved legal and diplomatic complications with France after the military government nationalised the country's uranium mines.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgp47neze4o

[Lovie777]

1. Seems like the world is just pissed..................

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. Suspected jihadists attack airport near Niger's capital

Niger's defence ministry said four military personnel were injured and 20 attackers were killed, with state television saying that a French national was among them.

There were 11 arrests over the attack at Diori Hamani International Airport overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, in which sustained heavy gunfire and loud explosions were heard nearby.
...
The head of Niger's junta on Thursday thanked Russia for its help in foiling the attack on the airport, and accused the presidents of France, Benin and Ivory Coast of backing those responsible.

He did not give details of what help Russia had provided, or provide any evidence to support his accusations against the other countries.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgp47neze4o

I'd always suspect Russia of backing any attack, anywhere, before France.