Algeria Dispatched Fighter Jets to Thwart Coup Attempt in Niger, President Reveals

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune revealed that his nation deployed fighter jets to Niger in late August to help prevent a coup attempt in the capital of Niamey. In excerpts from a local media interview broadcast ahead of its full release, Tebboune stated that the warplanes were sent because unnamed actors had crossed a line.

The president noted that Niger's Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, had been visiting Algeria and returned home just before the mutiny took place. Tebboune described the events as a direct provocation, prompting the immediate deployment of aircraft. Overnight on August 28 into August 29, sustained gunfire and explosions echoed through Niamey, targeting a military base at Diori Hamani International Airport, the state broadcaster, and the presidential palace.

Niger's Minister of Defence, General Salifou Modi, later reported that security forces intervened to contain the mutineers and restore order. On August 30, the Algerian Ministry of Defence confirmed the deployment of four Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft and an air-to-air refuelling plane to Niamey airport at the request of Nigerien authorities to support the local army.

While Niger's military government previously blamed France for orchestrating the failed mutiny, France denied any involvement. Sharing a long border and close security ties, Algeria views the stability of the Sahel region as vital to its national security, following Prime Minister Zeine's diplomatic visit to President Tebboune on August 26–27.