Russian forces enter the air-base housing the US Military in Niger
Russian forces enter the air-base housing the US Military in Niger
Russian military soldiers have invaded an air base in Niger that is housing American troops, according to a senior United States defence official. The action comes after Niger’s junta decided to withdraw US service members. The military officials in charge of the West African country have instructed the United States to take away its almost one thousand armed forces from the government, which had been an essential partner in Washington’s war against militants who had murdered hundreds along with relocated millions until their takeover last year.
A high-ranking American military official, commenting on the condition of privacy, confirmed Russian personnel were not interacting with American troops and were utilizing a different hangar at Airbase 101, located near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger’s city. The movement of soldiers by Russia’s military, originally reported by a news source, brings the American and Russian forces closer together at a time when the two countries’ military and political conflict over the Ukraine war is becoming deeper.
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Furthermore, it highlights worries about the status of US forces in the nation after the forced departure. The current scenario is not ideal, but it is workable for the time being, according to the official. When questioned about the News article, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin minimized the danger to American troops and the possibility that Russian forces might come near to US military gear. “The Russians are in a different facility and do not have a connection with US personnel or our instruments,” Austin said during a press briefing in Honolulu. “I prioritize the security as well as the safety provided by our forces.” Rather, for now, I cannot identify a serious concern with our military’s protection.”
The Nigerien and Russian embassies in Washington were unwilling to respond to queries for comment. Russia has classified ties with the United States as down below zero as a result of America’s military and financial support to Ukraine in its efforts to protect itself against Russian invasion. The US official stated that Nigerian officials had informed President Joe Biden’s administration that approximately sixty Russian military soldiers would be in Niger. However, the specific person was unable to verify that figure.
Following the uprising, the United States military transferred part of its soldiers in Niger from Airbase-101 to Airbase-201 in Agadez. It was unclear what American armed forces stayed at Airbase-101. Whereas the US statement to Nigerian authorities did not represent a demand, the official stated that US soldiers could not share a location with Russian personnel. “They didn’t handle it well,” the official explained.
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