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. The resident, who lives in the airport district, spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of his life. 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.