Russian Soldiers Enter U.S. Air Base in Niger, Pentagon Chief Says

Russian military personnel have entered a Niger air base where U.S. troops are stationed. According to Reuters, the incident follows a decision by Niger's junta to withdraw American forces from the country.

Niger’s ruling military leaders have requested the United States to pull out about 1,000 troops from a country that was a key partner in the fight against insurgents prior to last year’s coup.

“You asked about the presence of Russians in Niger and in the same area as us... The Russians are in a separate facility. They do not have access to American forces or our equipment,” said Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin. He emphasized that the U.S. is monitoring the situation related to its base in Niger.