Niger says mutiny put down after Russian forces helped retake air base

Gunfire and explosions rocked Niamey overnight from Friday to Saturday around Base 101, the presidential palace and state television, in what Niger's junta first called indiscipline and later called a coup attempt. Russia's ambassador confirmed that the besieged base's own commanders had asked Russia's Africa Corps for help, and a security source said Russian personnel helped the presidential guard retake the base after being outnumbered by the mutineers. Niger's government said the mutiny was put down by Saturday evening. Algeria separately sent fighter jets and logistical support to the government in solidarity, unconnected to the fight over the base.

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