Russian troops entered an air base in Niger where American troops are stationed.
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We are talking about Air Base 101, which is located next to Diori Hamaniouw Niamey International Airport in the capital of the country. This was reported by Reuters with reference to a senior US defense official.
It is noted that this event follows the decision of the Niger junta, which seized power in a coup last year, to expel American forces. In general, the United States must withdraw almost a thousand of its troops from the country, which before the coup was Washington’s key partner in the fight against local rebels.
According to the agency source, Russian forces did not mix with American troops at the base, but used a separate hangar. However, it puts American and Russian troops in close proximity at a time when military and diplomatic competition between the states is intensifying due to the war in Ukraine.
(The situation) is not great, but in the short term it can be managed,” the agency’s interlocutor emphasized.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin commented on the situation during a recent press conference.
The Russians are in a separate compound and do not have access to American forces or access to our equipment,” he said. “I’m always focused on the safety and protection of our troops… But right now I don’t see a serious problem in terms of protecting our forces.”
The US and its allies have been forced to withdraw troops from several African countries following coups that brought to power groups seeking to distance themselves from Western governments – in addition to the impending withdrawal from Niger, US troops also left Chad, while France withdrew troops from Mali and Burkina – Faso.
At the same time, Russia is seeking to strengthen relations with African states, trying to present itself as a friendly country without colonial baggage on the continent.
Source: Reuters
Weapons and grain are like Putin.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.