Niger's military junta, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup d'état, blocked the territory's airspace this Sunday after the time given by ECOWAS to return power ran out and in the face of the increasingly certain threat of international military intervention.

In a press release, the military junta announced the airspace blockade moments before the expiry of the deadline given by the Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and called on the country's youth to prepare against a foreign invasion.

"In view of the threat of intervention by neighboring countries, Niger's airspace is closed from this Sunday until further notice," he announced.

The military currently "in charge" of Niger guarantee that they will "vigorously" fight back against any military action targeting their territory, even more so as they have the support of Mali and Burkina Faso.

"Any attempt to violate our airspace" will result in "a strong and immediate response", they warned.

Niger's land and air borders with five neighboring countries were reopened on August 2, almost a week after they were closed during the July 26 coup d'état.

Mohamed Bazoum is still being held on allegations of military agreements with Paris which, according to the coup plotters, perpetuate French power over Niger.