Russian troops takeover base hosting US military in Niger
A Boeing C-17 Globemaster III takes off June 19th, 2021 at Air Base 201 in Niger. The aircraft’s ability to transport large amounts of personnel and cargo is critical to supporting U.S. Air Force operations in austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jan K. Valle)
Russian military personnel have taken over some parts of the air base in Niger that is hosting U.S. troops, a senior U.S. defense official confirmed to Reuters news agency.
The new development follows a decision by Niger’s junta to expel U.S. forces.
The ruling authorities have demanded the U.S. 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.
Reuters quoted a senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, who said Russian forces were not mingling with U.S. troops but were using a separate hangar at Airbase 101, which is next to Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger’s capital.
“(The situation) is not great but in the short-term manageable,” the official said.
Asked about the Reuters report, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin played down any risk to American troops or the chance that Russian troops might get close to U.S. military hardware.
“The Russians are in a separate compound and don’t have access to U.S. forces or access to our equipment,” Austin told a press conference in Honolulu.
“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.”
The Nigerien and Russian embassies in Washington are yet to comment on the latest development.
The United States built Airbase 201 in central Niger at a cost of more than $100 million. Since 2018 it has been used to target Islamic State and al Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) fighters with armed drones.
Russia is seeking to strengthen relations with African nations after the U.S. and its allies were forced to move troops out of several African countries following coups by top military generals.
Moscow has also become one of Africa’s closest allies, with the Wagner Group mercenary force deploying there to fight terrorist groups operating in different regions.
