Niger junta claims control after clashes in capital
Niger's ruling junta announced on Saturday it had "progressively regained control" after mutinous soldiers attacked key sites around the capital, including the presidential palace. The city experienced hours of intense gunfire. Soldiers blocked access to the presidential palace and national television, Tele Sahel, which was off-air for over an hour before resuming broadcasts. A security source reported that insurgents from the Nigerien armed forces attempted to enter the presidential palace but were repelled by the presidential guard. Niger's Minister of Defense, General Salifou Mody, stated on state television that a group of soldiers took troops hostage in a Niamey barracks and fired on "sensitive sites" in the city. He added that the rapid response of defense and security forces contained the situation and allowed them to regain control. General Mody urged the population to remain calm. Niger has been governed by a military junta for three years, struggling to contain jihadist violence that has affected the West African nation for a decade. An African diplomat in Niamey confirmed that the presidential guard remains loyal to the leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani. Residents reported calm returning after early morning gunfire. The military issued a statement on social media urging calm and caution against unverified information, confirming that defense and security forces were mobilized. Reports indicated "heavy gunfire and explosions" at Base 101 in Niamey, located within
