Heavy gunfire and loud blasts were heard near Niger's international airport in Niamey early Thursday. Eyewitnesses and videos showed air defense systems firing at unidentified projectiles around midnight. The airport is about 10 km from the presidential palace and houses a military air base. Residents near the Diori Hamani International Airport said peace returned after two hours. No official military statement has been made. A Foreign Affairs ministry official told Anadolu news agency, "The situation is under control. There is no need to worry." The official said they are investigating if the incident relates to a large uranium shipment stuck at the airport following the government's nationalization of uranium mines, leading to tensions with France. Niger's military government led by Abdourahamane Tiani took power in a 2023 coup. The country faces threats from jihadist groups like its neighbors Burkina Faso and Mali.