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Moscow said Sunday that its forces helped Niger repel Saturday’s attacks by anti-government forces in the capital, Niamey.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Africa Corps of Russia’s Defense Ministry assisted Niger’s authorities in restoring control after military activity in the capital.
“These attacks were repelled by national troops with the assistance of soldiers from the Africa Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defense,” the ministry said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the situation was under the control of Niger’s authorities, led by President Abdourahamane Tiani, and pledged continued support for Niger in its fight against extremist groups.
Separately, Niger’s government described the incident as an “attempted mutiny” by soldiers.
The unrest included attacks around Diori Hamani International Airport and Air Base 101, a strategic military facility in Niamey, as well as other sites in the capital.
Niger said its forces had regained control of the base.
Niger’s defense minister said Saturday that military activity in Niamey had been brought under control and that security forces had regained control of critical sites that were targeted.
Gen. Salifou Mody’s remarks were broadcast on national television after heavy gunfire and explosions were reported around Diori Hamani International Airport and the Presidential Palace.
Mody said a group of soldiers had “broken away from military order” and attempted to detain some of their fellow soldiers at the Base 101 military facility before opening fire on several critical sites in the capital.
He said the activity was brought under control thanks to the swift intervention of Nigerien defense and security forces.
Mody added that control was gradually restored in the targeted areas.
He urged residents of Niamey to remain calm and continue their daily activities as usual.
Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard overnight and into the morning around Diori Hamani International Airport and the Presidential Palace in Niamey.
Following the attack, which also targeted the Base 101 military facility at the airport, security forces regained control of the area and launched an operation.
Diori Hamani International Airport had already been attacked twice earlier this year.
The airport and nearby military base were targeted in January, while the airport and the Base 101 military facility came under attack again in June.
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