NIAMEY, Niger: Sustained gunfire and several explosions were heard across parts of Niger's capital, Niamey, early on August 29, according to two Reuters witnesses. The cause of the violence was not immediately known.

The unrest was the third major security incident to affect Niamey this year. The latest fighting was reported particularly around the area containing Diori Hamani International Airport and a nearby military airbase. The repeated incidents highlight continuing security problems under Niger's military government, which took power in a 2023 coup after promising to restore stability.

A security source said that "terrorists" had attacked Diori Hamani International Airport and tried to break through the security perimeter around the presidential complex. A Reuters witness also reported heavy gunfire near the presidency.

Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger's Bureau of the Consultative Council and a deputy in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Parliament, said on Facebook that attackers had targeted Base 101, the military airbase located near the airport. He said security forces had regained control of the facility.

"Another cowardly attack on Base 101 and once again our defense and security forces ensured ... Situation under control," Ibrahim wrote.

However, another witness reported hearing more gunfire around the airport and several powerful explosions during the early morning hours, even after Ibrahim said the situation was under control.

A second security source said security forces had launched large-scale operations to search for the attackers. The source said those responsible had been "neutralized", while some others had managed to escape.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm the claims made by Ibrahim or the security sources. Niger's military authorities were also not immediately available to comment on the reports.

Niger, a resource-rich country in West Africa, has large reserves of uranium, oil and gold. The military has ruled the country since July 2023, when General Abdourahamane Tiani and his forces overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.

The military government has struggled to stop attacks by Islamist armed groups. Niger, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, continues to face violence from groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. Military leaders in all three countries have promised to improve security but continue to face serious insurgent threats.

The airport in Niamey has been targeted before. An al Qaeda-linked group operating in West Africa claimed responsibility for an attack on the airport in June. Five months earlier, Islamic State Sahel Province had also claimed an attack against the same location.

Since taking power, Tiani's government has significantly changed Niger's foreign policy. It has moved away from traditional Western partners, strengthened relations with Russia and ended its relationship with the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Niger has instead joined Mali and Burkina Faso in the AES, a rival regional alliance.

The latest violence comes as Niger is also tightening state control over its uranium industry. Authorities have taken control of assets previously operated by French nuclear company Orano.

Niger was an important supplier of uranium to Europe, providing around 15 percent of Orano's uranium supply when the company was operating at full capacity.

Last week, the government reassigned uranium permits previously held by Orano and GoviEx to companies backed by the Nigerien state, according to an official decree.