Reuters reported that Russian troops entered an air base in Niger where American troops are stationed. This happened after the decision of the Niger junta to expel American troops from the country.


A representative of the US Department of Defense, who remained anonymous, told Reuters that Russian troops are already at the Niger air base, but they do not mix with American troops. They are using a separate hangar at Air Base 101, which is located next to the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger.


This move by the Russian military puts US and Russian troops in close proximity, especially in the context of the escalating military and diplomatic rivalry between the US and Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.


After coups in several African countries, many countries, including the United States and its allies, were forced to withdraw their troops. This has happened recently in Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso as part of a strategy to distance themselves from Western governments.