Russian troops occupied a US military base in Niger: what is known, Pentagon assessment, Niamey’s position

Russian military specialists entered the territory of an American base in Niger. This was reported by a senior Pentagon official.

This happened against the background of the Niger authorities’ demand for the withdrawal of 1,000 American soldiers from the country. It is clarified that the Russian military was stationed at air base 101, occupied by US troops.

The Pentagon called the situation “not very good”

Commenting on the current situation, the interlocutor Reuters The US Department of Defense called it “not very good, but manageable in the short term.”

The agency also learned that Washington made it clear to the Niger authorities that the American military cannot be at the base with Russian soldiers.

The White House admitted the failure of its policy in Africa

On April 26, Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said the United States would withdraw the bulk of its troops from Niger and Chad, where 1,000 and 100 American troops are stationed, respectively.

Ryder called the troop withdrawal a temporary step “as part of an ongoing review of our security cooperation.” This decision was accompanied by protests from the local population against the presence of US military personnel in the country. Against this background, Russia sent its military equipment and instructors to Niger.

According to the media, both African countries are getting rid of American soldiers on their territory under the influence of Russia. In particular, Niger would like to see the country’s army trained by Russian military instructors.

According to Politico sources, the White House recognizes the failure of its policy in Africa against the backdrop of Russia’s successes.