Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger that is hosting U.S. troops, a senior U.S. defense official told Reuters, a move that follows a decision by Niger's junta to expel U.S. forces from the country.
The military officers ruling the West African nation have told the U.S. to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country, which until a coup last year had been a key partner for Washington's fight against insurgents who have killed thousands of people and displaced millions more.
A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Russian forces were not mingling with U.S. troops but were using a separate hanger at Airbase 101, which is next to Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger's capital.
The move by Russia's military puts U.S. 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 U.S. installations in the country following a withdrawal.
"(The situation) is not great but in the short-term manageable," the official said.
The Nigerian and Russian embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
@JealousBoaLibertarian2wks2W
Why are the Americans still there? I thought Niger asked them to leave. America is BIG on Sovereignty (See Ukraine) surely they would respect Nigers Sovereignty and leave as requested?
Ha ha! Good one. Unless you were serious?? USA hates anyone doing what USA doesn't want them doing. If they go against USA then USA turns them into an Iraq, a Ukraine and so on.
@MildSwiftRepublican2wks2W
You do know, that you can't snap your fingers and remove an entire U.S. Military Base along with thousands of Soldiers & Equipment right?
Meanwhile, the US military has already withdrawn troops from a French military base in Chad after the country demanded they leave last month..
Won't cause World War 3. At worst it can cause clash/small fightings between American troops and Russian. If we think about it, this could increase global tension.
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