Niger official commends bravery of forces fending off mutineers

The African country of Niger appeared calm on Sunday, a day after

aggrieved soldiers staged a mutiny threatening the

ruling military junta.

The mutineers were eventually beaten back by loyalists with the

help of Russian soldiers.

There was sustained gunfire from Friday till late Saturday, with

most of the clashes took place at capital Niamey's main airport

that houses the military air base, as well as at the neighbourhood

of the presidential palace.

The unrest culminated in the arrest or killing of dozens of

soldiers, but the authorities have not disclosed any charges

against the mutineers.

On Sunday, Niger's Minister of Commerce and Industry held

a press conference and commended the bravery of the

security forces.