Rebels attacked the airport and the presidential palace in Niger — Reuters

In Niamey, the capital of Niger, rebel soldiers attacked the airport and the presidential palace. The attacks led to hours of gunfire and explosions.

After the attack began, state television and radio broadcasts were interrupted but were later restored.

The Nigerien government called on citizens to remain calm and announced the mobilization of security forces.

The Ministry of Defense stated that the armed forces are “gradually regaining control” of the facilities that were attacked. At the same time, the publication’s sources within the security services claim that insurgents are still present at the airport, and the overall situation remains unclear.

Eyewitnesses report gunfire in the area around the airport and powerful explosions.

This is according to Reuters.

Tuareg rebels have released about 60 Malian soldiers.

In Mali, rebels killed the pro-Russian defense minister.

As a reminder, in Mali, armed groups simultaneously attacked military facilities in the capital, Bamako, and several other cities across the country, leading to fighting, explosions, and panic among military personnel and civilians. The attacks appeared to be coordinated and affected several regions at once.

In central Mali, near the city of Nampala, more than ten Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries were killed in a premeditated ambush.