PRETORIA, July 31. /TASS/. France and its allies are planning to launch a military operation to free ousted President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum, a spokesman for the rebel-instituted National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, Amadou Abdramane, said on national television.

Abdramane claimed to possess a document issued on behalf of former Nigerien Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou, who purportedly authorized France to carry out strikes on the presidential palace in order to liberate Bazoum. Massoudou, who was out of the country during the military coup that deposed Bazoum, has proclaimed himself to be acting head of government.

Niger’s capital of Niamey hosts the largest French airbase in this part of the African continent. German, Italian and US troops are also stationed in the country. According to the Associated Press, the in-country US troop contingent stands at about 1,000 soldiers.

On July 26, military rebels in Niger announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum, closure of national borders, introduction of a curfew and suspension of the constitution, as well as a ban on political parties. On July 28, they declared that General Abdourahmane Tchiani had become head of state. During the coup, Tchiani headed the presidential guard, units of which physically seized President Bazoum and continue to hold him.