DailyKenn.com — Russian troops have been deployed to an air base in Niger, where American soldiers are stationed, following an order from the country's ruling junta for all U.S. forces to depart from the West African nation.
This development at Air Base 101 in Niamey, the capital, occurs amid strained relations between Washington, D.C. and Moscow, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, marking the lowest point since the Cold War. While the exact number of American troops present is unclear, an unnamed U.S. official informed the Associated Press that only a small contingent remains.
According to the same official, Russian troops arrived last month after Niger requested the withdrawal of nearly 1,000 U.S. troops. Prior to the junta's seizure of power in July 2023, Niger played a crucial role as a U.S. ally in counter-terrorism efforts against ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel region of Africa.
A senior U.S. defense official, speaking to Reuters, clarified that Russian forces are operating separately from American troops at the base, utilizing a distinct hangar. Although the situation is described as "not great" but "manageable" in the short term, sources revealed to CNN that the two contingents do not share operational areas, albeit the space available is limited.
Addressing concerns during a press conference in Hawaii, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sought to reassure regarding the safety of U.S. troops.
"The Russians are confined to a separate compound without access to our personnel or equipment," Austin stated. "While I remain vigilant about our troops' safety, I currently perceive no significant issues regarding force protection."
Although the Pentagon has confirmed plans for U.S. troops to exit Niger, no specific timeline has been provided for the withdrawal.
Since the military regime took control, Niger has increasingly aligned itself with Russia, a move recognized as a coup by the Biden administration in October. Consequently, U.S. legislation has imposed restrictions on military training and assistance to Niger.
State television recently reported the arrival of Russian military instructors and troops in Niger, along with equipment such as an air defense system, signaling efforts to bolster security ties with Moscow.
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