Gunfire, blasts heard in several areas of Niger capital Niamey, witnesses say

DAKAR, Aug 29 - Sustained gunfire and explosions rang out across several areas of Niger's capital, Niamey, early on Saturday, according to two Reuters witnesses.Shots were heard around the city's Diori Hamani International Airport, and near the presidential palace, one witness said."There have been exchanges of heavy gunfire. The shooting is continuing around the (presidential) palace," the second witness said.Niger has been ruled by the military since a July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.The military government, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, has since turned away from traditional Western allies and forged closer ties with Russia, mirroring military-led governments in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso.The three West African Sahel states have formed a security and political alliance after their juntas seized power in a wave of coups across the region.All three countries continue to battle Islamist insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State despite pledges by their military rulers to improve security.Deadly attacks have persisted this year in Niger, including the killing of at least 44 civilians in the country's southwest in March and an assault near Niamey's international airport in January.Niger's government was not immediately available for comment. REUTERS