NIAMEY, June 18 (Reuters) – Explosions and sustained gunfire that lasted over an hour were heard early Thursday morning at the airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, and security forces had blocked off the area, a Reuters witness and two residents said.
The first explosions occurred at around 6 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and sporadic gunfire was still audible nearly two hours later, the Reuters witness said.
A security source said it appeared the airport was under attack.
A Niger government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Islamic State affiliate in the region claimed responsibility for an attack on the airport in January.
Niger, like its Sahel neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, has struggled to contain attacks from jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State that have killed thousands and displaced millions in the three countries.
Reporting by Niger newsroom; Writing by Robbie Corey-Boulet; Editing by Philippa Fletcher.
