Russian Forces Enter Base Housing US Military in Niger, Says US Authority
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Russian troops have been spotted entering Air Base 101, located in Niger and hosting American troops, according to a senior official from the US Department of Defense, in a statement to Reuters. This action comes amidst the Nigerien junta’s decision to expel US forces from the country. Military officials from Niger requested the withdrawal of nearly 1,000 American troops, previously crucial allies in the fight against insurgents plaguing the region.
According to the US Department of Defense official, Russian military personnel are not integrated with American troops, using a separate hangar at Air Base 101, located in Niamey, the Nigerien capital. This movement places US and Russian troops in proximity, at a time when military and diplomatic tensions between the nations are escalating, especially due to the conflict in Ukraine.
While the situation is deemed manageable in the short term, concerns arise about the fate of American facilities in the country post-withdrawal. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin downplayed risks to American troops and assured that Russians do not have access to US military equipment. The Nigerien and Russian embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
