Attempted siege of Niger prison repelled - interior minister

DAKAR (Reuters) - Niger's interior minister said that the Koutoukale prison housing Islamist militants from various regional groups was attacked early on Monday in an apparent attempt to free prisoners. "I can confirm one dead among the attackers. He was wearing a suicide vest," said Mohamed Bazoum, reached by telephone. "The situation is now under control and our forces are combing the area to try to catch the attackers still at large." (Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Toby Chopra)