Niger Military Quells Coup Attempt, Targets Airport and Presidential Palace
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Niger's military government declared Saturday it had quelled a coup attempt by soldiers at the 101 military base in the capital Niamey. Armed rebels launched coordinated attacks on Diori Hamani International Airport and areas near the presidential palace during the early hours of June 29 before being repelled by government forces. The Defense Ministry announced full control had been restored to all attacked positions, with official casualty figures still pending.
Key Points
- Armed soldiers attacked the 101 military air base and Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey during the early hours of June 29
- Rebels attempted to breach the presidential palace but were repelled by the presidential guard loyal to the government
- The Defense Ministry issued a statement saying soldiers violating military discipline were defeated and all attacked positions have been secured
- Dense gunfire and explosions were heard across multiple areas of Niamey, with national television briefly interrupted
- According to security sources and analysts, the attackers came from southwestern regions of Ouallam, Tera, and Dosso, where troops have suffered heavy casualties fighting ISIS affiliates in the Sahel
- China's embassy in Niger issued an emergency security alert urging Chinese citizens to strengthen safety precautions
- Current leader General Abdourahamane Tiani seized power through a coup in July 2023 and has struggled to halt armed attacks despite promises to improve security
Why It Matters
The failed coup attempt highlights the persistent instability in Niger under military rule, with frontline troops apparently willing to mutiny after years of losses against Islamist militants in the Sahel region. Regional security experts warn such internal fractures could further weaken Niger's capacity to combat extremist threats, potentially destabilizing the broader West African Sahel zone.
The failed coup attempt highlights the persistent instability in Niger under military rule, with frontline troops apparently willing to mutiny after years of losses against Islamist militants in the Sahel region. Regional security experts warn such internal fractures could further weaken Niger's capacity to combat extremist threats, potentially destabilizing the broader West African Sahel zone.