Nigerien authorities thwarted a coup attempt against junta leader Abdourahmane Tchiani with assistance from the Presidential Guard and Russia's Africa Corps, Jeune Afrique reported Aug. 30. Pro-putsch officers and members of the special forces clashed with loyalists near the presidential palace and the national television station, and seized Airbase 101 at the Diori Hamani International Airport near the capital Niamey in the early hours of Aug. 29, before surrendering by the end of the day after intense clashes with Nigerien and Russian forces.