Niger closes airspace due to ‘invasion’ threat

The African country’s junta has ignored the ultimatum by their Western-backed neighbors

Niger’s coup-imposed government has promised “a vigorous and instantaneous response” to any violation of the country airspace as it braces for a potential military intervention after the deadline, set by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to return President Mohamed Bazoum to power, expired on Sunday.

“Faced with the threat of intervention which is becoming clearer from neighboring countries, Niger’s airspace is closed from this day on Sunday… until further notice,” the so-called National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, which assumed power in a military coup last month, announced on Sunday night.

The statement further warned that “any attempt to violate the airspace” will result in a “vigorous and instantaneous response,” as cited by AFP.

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