<h1>Explosions and heavy gunfire near Niger's main airport raise security and governance concerns amid junta rule and jihadi threats</h1> Explosions and sustained gunfire were reported near the capital's international airport, raising concerns about armed-group attacks on a site that houses a military base and significant uranium shipments; this highlights the state's weakened capacity to secure strategic infrastructure under military junta governance, increasing vulnerability to jihadi escalation and transnational armed violence. The incidents underscore risks to resource protection and the continuity of export operations, and indicate an intensified security environment requiring strengthened counterterrorism and military measures to protect civilian safety and state assets.