“They should be prepared to hear our roar,” said military ruler Tyani, who thanked Russian troops for defending the air base.

Niger’s military junta accused France, Benin and Ivory Coast of being behind the attack on a military base at Niamey International Airport, while thanking “Russian partners” for repelling the attack.

General Abdourahamane Tiani seizes power in a military operation 2023 coupA statement on state television on Thursday blamed French President Emmanuel Macron, Benin President Patrice Tallon and Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara. He provided no evidence to support these claims.

France, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire have yet to comment on the claims.

The military leader made the remarks after visiting an air base at Diori Khamani International Airport, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the presidential palace, where bombings and shootings were reported from Wednesday night into Thursday.

Defense Minister Salif Modi said the attack lasted “about 30 minutes” and was followed by an “air and ground response”. The Defense Ministry said four military personnel were wounded and 20 attackers were killed, which state television said included a French national.

Eleven people were arrested, the statement added.

“We have heard their roar and they should be prepared to hear our roar,” Tiani said in comments that reflected Niger’s recent deterioration in relations with France and neighboring countries, which he views as French proxies in the region.

Tyani also thanked Russian troops stationed at the base for “defending their sector,” confirming Russia’s growing ties with Moscow, which have helped Russia military support Resolve related rebellions Al Qaeda and ISIS.

So far, neither armed group has claimed responsibility.

Niger has been led by General Tiani since a July 2023 coup that ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

The country is allied with its Sahel neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso alliance of countries in the sahel (AES) has been struggling to contain the insurgency that has killed thousands and displaced millions across the three countries.