Niamey: Niger's junta declared that control has been regained following a mutiny by soldiers at a military base adjacent to the capital's airport.According to France24.com, Russian forces supported Niger's presidential guard in retaking the air base, resulting in casualties among the mutineers.The ruling junta, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, has governed Niger for three years amidst ongoing jihadist violence. The recent unrest unfolded when mutinous soldiers attempted to seize the presidential palace and disrupted state broadcasting services. Despite the initial chaos, the junta reported that it had largely regained control after intense exchanges at key locations.Fighting diminished by Saturday evening, although sources indicated that rebel forces continued to occupy two barracks around Niamey. Diplomatic and security sources confirmed that the presidential guard, with Russian assistance, recaptured the air base, neutralizing some rebels in the process.The mutiny began shortly after midnight wh en soldiers obstructed access to the presidential palace and the national television station, Tele Sahel, causing a brief broadcast interruption. The junta later announced on state television that control was being restored following the clashes.General Salifou Mody, Niger's defense minister, revealed that some soldiers were held hostage at a Niamey barracks, and gunfire was directed at unspecified sensitive sites in the city. He assured the public that troops had reestablished control, urging residents to remain calm.The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Niger's junta in maintaining stability amid external pressures and internal dissent. The capital's Yantala district, near the presidential palace, reported calm by late Saturday morning, following the night's gunfire and explosions. The junta communicated on social media, advising citizens to stay calm and avoid spreading unverified information.Military vehicles were seen moving towards Base 101 in Niamey, where the unrest originated . Supporters of the junta urged demonstrations in support of the authorities at a central Niamey location, where preparations for speeches were underway.Algeria denounced the mutiny and expressed support for Niger's government. The unrest follows two jihadist attacks on Niamey airport earlier this year, attributed to rival groups Islamic State in the Sahel and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, highlighting the volatile security environment in Niger.The geopolitical landscape in the region has shifted as Niger, along with Burkina Faso and Mali, distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and sought alliances with Russia, marking a departure from traditional Western partnerships in combating jihadist threats.