Russian Military Personnel Enter Niger Airbase…While US Troops Still There

Niger, Africa – Reuters reported that Russian military personnel have entered Airbase 101 as US troops are still stationed there. According to the article, the Russians are not “mingling” with the US troops since they picked a different part of the base in which to stay.

There are approximately 1,000 US troops stationed at Airbase 101, which is near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey. They have been waiting for the US to get them out of the country after the Niger Junta threw a fit and demanded they leave.

Both Niger and Chad – two key countries for monitoring terrorist activity in the Sahel region- have demanded the US military get out. Forces in Chad reportedly have been removed. The US sent a General to negotiate the removal from Niger in hopes they could convince the Junta to let them stay. France was told to get out of Burkina Faso and Mali. All while Russia (and China) seek to increase their influence in the region.

(The military Junta that demanded their removal took power in July of 2023.)

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Russians occupying a US military base is a problem. It could pose a serious threat to our troops …and American military equipment still remaining in the country. “Diplomatic relations” between the US and Russia haven’t exactly been warm since Putin invaded Ukraine.

In keeping with the Biden administration’s “head-in-the-sand approach, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin downplayed any problems with Russian militaty personnel.

“The Russians are in a separate compound and don’t have access to U.S. forces or access to our equipment. I’m always focused on the safety and protection of our troops … But right now, I don’t see a significant issue here in terms of our force protection.” Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin

Some media reports state that the majority of us troops were moved to Airbase 201 in central Niger after the Junta’s demands and prior to the arrival of Russian military personnel. Whether US equipment is in jeopardy is a question.

“The United States built Airbase 201 in central Niger at a cost of more than $100 million. Since 2018 it has been used to target Islamic State and al Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) fighters with armed drones.

Washington is concerned about Islamic militants in the Sahel region, who may be able to expand without the presence of U.S. forces and intelligence capabilities.

Niger’s move to ask for the removal of U.S. troops came after a meeting in Niamey in mid-March, when senior U.S. officials raised concerns including the expected arrival of Russia forces and reports of Iran seeking raw materials in the country, including uranium.

While the U.S. message to Nigerien officials was not an ultimatum, the official said, it was made clear U.S. forces could not be on a base with Russian forces.

“They did not take that well,” the official said.” Reuters