Russian military personnel have entered an airbase in Niger that is hosting US troops, a move that follows a decision by Niger’s junta to expel US forces.
The move by Russia’s military puts US and Russian troops in close proximity at a time when the nations’ military and diplomatic rivalry is increasingly acrimonious over the conflict in Ukraine.It also raises questions about the fate of US installations in the country following a withdrawal.Asked about the Reuters report, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin played down any risk to American troops or the chance that Russian troops might get close to US military hardware.
The Nigerien and Russian embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mali, for example, has in recent years become one of Russia's closest African allies, with the Wagner Group mercenary force deploying there to fight jihadist insurgents. After the coup, the US military moved some of its forces in Niger from Airbase 101 to Airbase 201 in the city of Agadez. It was not immediately clear what US military equipment remained at Airbase 101.