Stories from Niamey · Niger

Gunfire and explosions were heard at Niamey airport in Niger for several hours. The attack occurred amid a severe economic crisis. Over the past day, the aviation, missile forces, and artillery of the Defense Forces hit 17 areas of enemy troop concentration, four artillery systems, and two UAV control points. Gunfire erupted early Thursday morning at the airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, according to residents who spoke to AFP. Details regarding the nature of the attack and potential casualties are still emerging. Drones were detected approaching the Sumy region, with Putivl and Konotop at risk. This incident follows a suspected jihadist attack on the same site in January. The country has been engaged in a decade-long fight against militants. This is the second report of an attack on a Nigerien airport today.

The President of Benin visited Niger, marking the first such visit since a coup sparked tensions in the region.

Niger has signed an agreement with Iran concerning security and trade. The agreement was announced on Mastodon, with hashtags suggesting a geopolitical alignment against the US and Israel.

Niger's military regime has suspended about ten French media outlets, including France 24, Agence France Presse, and RFI. The suspensions were imposed by the military regime. In Burkina Faso, TV5MONDE has been banned, following previous suspensions of Western media. These actions are attributed to the three military-led regimes of the Alliance of Sahel States, which claim a sovereignist line and are increasing control over information and media.

Niger's opposition has claimed victory in the Supreme Court. This development follows attempts to weaken the opposition's influence. The court's decision is a event for the country's political landscape. The specific outcome of the court's decision was not detailed.

The unified force of three military-led states has launched an intensive air campaign to combat armed groups in the Sahel region. The government in Niamey announced the operation follows security tensions involving armed groups coordinating with liberation fronts.

Several hundred participants gathered at the Jaddo Secou de Nihame cultural center in Niamey on Thursday. The event follows recent political developments in the region. Hundreds of participants gathered at the Jadocé Cultural Center in Niamey to support Mali.

Russia has provided 20,000 tons of fertilizer to Niger free of charge. The transfer is being reported as a gratuitous delivery. The source noted that the ICRC may recognize such deliveries as participation in the conflict.

Since the start of the war, twenty-one people have been executed and approximately four others have been arrested. Among those executed were nine individuals related to protests in Niamey last January.

French authorities are investigating Abdallah Sennoussi, brother-in-law to former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, as a suspected mastermind behind an explosion over Niger. The incident killed 170 people on board, including 54 French nationals.