Explosions and heavy gunfire heard overnight near Niger's main airport in the capital

Loud explosions and heavy gunfire have been reported near the main airport in Niger’s capital of Niamey. Residents and videos circulating online reported the disruptions overnight into Thursday morning. It was not immediately clear what led to the explosions and gunshots or if there were casualties or damage. One person spoke of an attack by gunmen that has not been confirmed. Calm appeared to have returned to the city Thursday morning. Niger’s military junta did not immediately comment on the the incident. Niger has been run by the junta since a 2023 coup and has struggled to contain deadly jihadi violence.