Lead image for Heavy gunfire and explosions rocks Niger capital in early hours security raid.
Sustained gunfire and explosions rang out across several areas of Niger's capital, Niamey, early on Saturday, according to two Reuters witnesses, with the cause not immediately clear.
A security source told Reuters that "terrorists" had attacked the city's Diori Hamani International Airport and attempted to breach the security perimeter around 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, a major military installation in Niamey, but that security forces had regained control.
"Another cowardly attack on Base 101 and once again our defence and security forces ensured ... Situation under control," Ibrahim wrote.
Reuters could not immediately verify the claims made by the security source and Ibrahim.
A second security source told Reuters that security forces had launched search operations and that the attackers had been "neutralised", with others fleeing.
The second Reuters witness said the gunfire had been heavy and persistent around the presidential palace.
Gunfire resumed around Niamey's international airport at around 0213 GMT, according to the first Reuters witness.