Russian Military Personnel Move Into Airbase Housing US Troops
In a visible symbol of the decline of American influence in Niger, Russian troops have now moved into an installation near where American troops Niger has ordered to leave still remain.
According to Reuters, the base in question, Airbase 101, is near Diori Hamani International Airport in the capital of Niamey.
Weeks ago, Niger ordered U.S. troops to leave the country. The Biden administration has not yet pulled out its forces, which has led to accusations of ineptitude from Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin downplayed any expectation of friction between U.S. and Russian troops, according to CBS News.
“The Russians are in a separate compound and don’t have access to U.S. 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 significant issue here in terms of our force protection,” Austin said.
CBS News quoted an official it did not name as saying the two forces were about two miles apart, and the Russian troops were trainers.
Tensions between the United States and Russia have intensified since the latter invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The Biden administration has sent Ukraine tens of billions of dollars in support.
Although the United States has about 1,000 troops in Niger, most are at another base, Airbase 201, about 500 miles from the capital.