Russian troops take over airbase in Niger where 1,000 US troops are deployed
The US and Niger flags side by side at a base camp for air force
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday (May 2) that Russian troops have taken over an airbase in Niger which houses UStroops
As per media reports, Niger has handed over Airbase 101, which is next to Diori Hamani international airport in the capital Niamey, to the Russian troops after asking US troops to leave the nation in March this year.
USA’s1,000 troops served as akeyally to previous civilian government and played a crucial role in combating jihadists in West Africa. But power centres radically shifted last June when a pro-Russia military junta ousted the civilian government.
Speaking to Reuters asenior US official said thatRussians were not interacting with their US counterparts andstayingin a separate hangar at the airbase.
“[The situation] is not great but, in the short-term, manageable,”the US official said.
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Austin on Thursday said in a press conference that Russians are staying in a separate compound and theydon’thave access to US troops, implying that their close proximity was not a threat.
“Airbase 101 where our forces [are], is a Nigerien air force base that is co-located with an international airport in the capital city. The Russians are in a separate compound anddon’thave access to US forces or access to our equipment,”Austin told a news conference in Honolulu.
“I’malways focused on the safety and protection of our troops, [and it is] something thatwe’llcontinue to watch,”he further said.
“But right now, Idon’tsee a significant issue here in terms of our force protection,”Austin added.
The US and its allies havebeen forcedto withdraw troops from various Africannations,due to recent coups and ensuing power shifts. Along with the impending departure from Niger, US forces have already left Chad, while French troops havebeen expelledfrom Mali and Burkina Faso.
On the other hand, Russia is actively striving to build ties with African countries, presenting Moscow as a non-colonial, friendly nation. Mali, for instance, has evolved into one ofRussia'smost significant African allies, with the deployment of the Wagner mercenary group to combat jihadist insurgents.
(With inputs from agencies)