Niger’s presidential guard, backed by Russian forces, has retaken a key military base in the capital, Niamey, after mutinous soldiers seized control of the facility.
Diplomatic and security sources told AFP that the presidential guard regained control of the air base on Saturday, with several of the mutinous soldiers reportedly killed during the operation.
Niger’s ruling military junta also said it had regained control after clashes broke out in the capital, with the rebel soldiers moving towards the presidential palace and disrupting the state broadcaster, Tele Sahel.
The fighting began shortly after midnight, when soldiers blocked access to the presidential palace and national television station. Tele Sahel went off air for more than an hour before resuming broadcasts around 10am.
The junta said it had largely restored control over key locations after hours of heavy fighting.
However, regional and diplomatic security sources said some of the mutinous troops were still holding two barracks around Niamey.
The latest unrest comes three years after General Abdourahamane Tiani seized power in a military coup.
His government has since faced persistent jihadist attacks in parts of the country.
By Saturday evening, diplomatic and security sources confirmed that the presidential guard, supported by Russian forces, had recaptured the air base.
The development marks a major setback for the mutinous soldiers as the junta moves to reassert control over the capital.
