Niger’s army says it has regained control of a major military airbase in the capital, Niamey, after mutinous soldiers attacked it on Saturday.

The confrontation involved hundreds of discontented troops and lasted for several hours, with gunfire and explosions reported around the airport, presidential palace and other key locations.

The mutiny highlights growing tensions within Niger’s military, which has suffered heavy losses while fighting jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

Russian Africa Corps forces reportedly helped Niger’s government suppress the uprising, while Algeria also provided military assistance, Reuters has reported.

The incident is the latest challenge for military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup but has struggled to improve security despite strengthening ties with Russia.