Russians sent to base where US troops are located
The US has been operating two drone bases in Niger, aimed at countering Islamic insurgents in the region.
Washington has denounced last year’s coup. In turn, junta leaders have turned to Russia for assistance.
Niger is in Africa’s Sahel region, which is considered the new global epicentre of the Islamic State group.
The US has relied on Niger as its primary base for monitoring regional jihadist activity.
The Russians deployed to Airbase 101 at Niger’s international airport in the capital, Niamey, are said to be military trainers.
They are said to be occupying a wing close to a contingent of US troops. According to the Reuters news agency, officials in Niger told the US that around 60 Russian troops were in the country.
Relations between the US and Russia have been deteriorating sharply since President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022., with the US leading Western efforts to supply weapons to the Ukrainians.
