Russian Troops Enter Base in Niger Hosting US Forces

Last updated on August 7th, 2024 at 04:29 pm

Russian troops have arrived at a base in the West African country of Niger that’s also currently hosting U.S. troops.

Around 1,000 U.S. troops are currently deployed in Niger, but they are expected to leave the country.

The U.S. began partnering with Niger’s government in 2013 as part of an ongoing counterinsurgency operation against Al Qaeda and ISIS affiliates in the country.

Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Niger have broken down after Nigerien military officers ousted their President Mohamed Bazoum in August and established a military government known as the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).

The CNSP ordered French troops also deployed in the country to leave shortly after Bazoum’s ouster. In March, the CNSP also suspended the U.S.-Nigerien military agreement and called for U.S. forces to leave the country.

Both the U.S. and France are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). While breaking ties with France and the U.S., the CNSP has begun expanding ties with Russia, a major NATO geopolitical rival.

Russian forces reportedly took up residence at a Nigerien military installation known as Airbase 101 on Thursday. While the Russian government hasn’t commented openly on the deployment at Airbase 101, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged the development in a Thursday press conference.

The defense secretary gave assurances that U.S. and Russian forces would remain separated.

“Airbase 101, where our force is, is a Nigerien Air Force base that is co-located with an international airport in the capital city,” Austin said. “The Russians are in a separate compound and don’t have access to U.S. forces or access to our equipment.”

Austin said he remains focused on the safety of U.S. troops and said the U.S. side would continue to monitor the situation.

“But right now, I don’t see a significant issue here in terms of our force protection,” he added.

The neighboring West African country of Chad has also been used as a base of operations for U.S. counterinsurgency operations against Al Qaeda and ISIS affiliates. Now, like Niger, the Chadian government has begun to question the military cooperation. Around 100 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Chad.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, announced last week that the U.S. plan to withdraw from Niger is proceeding. Ryder said the U.S. is in ongoing talks with Chadian counterparts.

Ryder said the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) is preparing to reposition some troops from Chad in the near future. He indicated the move would be temporary and might not involve all U.S. forces in Chad.

“This is a temporary step as part of an ongoing review of our security cooperation, which will resume after Chad’s May 6 presidential election,” Ryder added.