ALBAWABA - Russian military soldiers have penetrated a Niger air base where US troops are stationed, according to a senior US defense official. After Niger's junta expelled US soldiers, this action occurred.
The Nigeran military leaders have ordered the US to evacuate almost 1,000 troops. This decision followed a coup last year that modified Niger's collaboration with the US to fight rebels who caused fatalities and displacement.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has addressed worries about Russian forces at an American-hosted Niger air base. Reuters said that Austin reduced risk to U.S. personnel at the European station.
Austin told a Honolulu press conference that the Russian military cannot access Americans or their equipment. He pledged to defend U.S. soldiers but saw no major risks.
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) is monitoring the Niamey airstrip and protecting its personnel. Russian forces are stationed apart from U.S. troops, said AFRICOM.
A Pentagon source tells Russian News Agency Novosti that Russian Forces will stay at the same base as the US Army in Niger until the Governing Transitional Military Council decides to withdraw its troops.
Previous reports indicated Russian military experts trained Niger soldiers on counterterrorism. Russia seeks African military cooperation.
The Transitional Military Council resolved to keep Russian forces at the site alongside U.S. troops until the US leaves Niger.
US forces were expelled from Niger as part of a larger pattern in Africa where political upheavals have led to military relocation or expulsion. In addition to Niger, US soldiers left Chad and French forces left Mali and Burkina Faso.
Russian soldiers, albeit not mixed with US troops, are noticeable. They use Airbase 101's separate hangar near Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport. This Reuters story highlights the close proximity of US and Russian forces amid rising military and political tensions, notably over the Ukraine war.
