T24 International News
Russian soldiers penetrated an airbase where American soldiers were stationed in the African country of Niger.
The junta that came to power last year through a coup demanded the US to withdraw about a thousand soldiers from the country. Before the coup, Niger was a valuable ally of the United States in the fight against terrorist organizations in West Africa.
Speaking to Reuters, a US defense source stated that Russian soldiers entered the 101st Airbase near the Diori Hamani International Airport in the capital, Niamey, but did not come into contact with US soldiers. It was indicated that the Russians used a different hangar than the US ones.
Russia’s attack brought soldiers of both countries very close to being deployed together, at a time when military and diplomatic relations on the border between Moscow and Washington were tense due to the Ukraine conflict.
The official said, „The situation is not ideal, but it seems manageable for a short time.“
After attempted coups in some African countries in recent years, the US and its allies had to withdraw. The junta in Niger also wants the US presence in the country to end. On the other hand, Russia is trying to build close connections with these countries by presenting itself as a country with no colonial past.
T24