NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — There were loud explosions and heavy gunfire overnight into Thursday morning near the main airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, residents said, leading to fears of a likely attack by armed groups in the conflict-hit country. It was not immediately confirmed what led to the explosions and gunshots or if there were casualties or damage. West African airline Air Côte d’Ivoire said one of its aircraft, parked on the tarmac of the Niamey airport, was hit during the gunfire, resulting in impacts to the aircraft’s fuselage and right wing. By Thursday morning, calm had returned to the city and there was heavy security presence along major roads leading to the airport. Niger’s military junta, which has run the country since a 2023 coup, did not immediately speak about the incident.