A senior U.S. defense official has now reportedly confirmed that Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger that is housing U.S. troops. This development follows the Niger government’s decision to expel U.S. forces from Niger.
The military officers in charge of the West African nation have instructed the United States to remove its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country.
Prior to a coup last year, the nation had been an essential ally in Washington’s struggle against insurgents, who have caused the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more.
In addition, a senior U.S. defense official stated that Russian forces were utilizing a separate hangar at Airbase 101, which is adjacent to Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, and were not mingling with U.S. personnel.
The Russian military action brings U.S. and Russian personnel closer together at a time when the countries’ military and diplomatic rivalry over the Ukraine conflict is becoming increasingly acrimonious.
Concerns are also raised regarding the future of American installations in the country in the event of a withdrawal.
In a number of African nations, the United States and its allies have been compelled to withdraw soldiers in the wake of coups that ushered in opposition factions eager to distance themselves from Western governments.
Chad has also witnessed the withdrawal of U.S. personnel in recent days, alongside the imminent withdrawal of French forces from Mali and Burkina Faso.
Concurrently, Russia is attempting to foster closer ties with African countries by presenting itself as a benign nation devoid of colonial remorse on the continent.
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