"Niger's military government has accused France, Benin and Ivory Coast of sponsoring an assault on a military base at Niamey's international airport, while thanking Russian partners for repelling the attack. General Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup, made his claims on state television on Thursday, blaming France's President Emmanuel Macron, Benin's Patrice Talon and Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara. He did not offer any evidence to back up those claims."
"The defence ministry said four military personnel were injured and 20 attackers were killed, with state television saying that a French national was among them. Eleven people were arrested, it added. We have heard them bark, they should be ready to hear us roar, said Tiani in comments that reflected the recent deterioration of Niger's relations with France and neighbouring nations that he views as French proxies in the region."
General Abdourahamane Tiani accused France, Benin and Ivory Coast of sponsoring an assault on a military base at Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport and offered no evidence. Explosions and shootings were reported near the presidential palace; Defence Minister Salifou Modi said the attack lasted about 30 minutes before an air and ground response. The defence ministry reported four military personnel injured, 20 attackers killed, and 11 arrests; state television said a French national was among the dead. Tiani thanked Russian troops stationed at the base for defending their sector and confirmed deepening ties with Moscow. Neither al-Qaeda nor ISIL claimed responsibility. Tiani seized power in a 2023 coup that ousted Mohamed Bazoum.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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