Russian Military Trainers Move into Niger Airbase Where Small US Troop Contingent Remains

Washington: Russia has moved some troops onto an airbase in Niger where a small number of US forces remain after most American troops left base in nation's capital, Niamey, a US official said Thursday. arrival of Russian trainers in West African country about three weeks ago came in wake of Niger’s decision to order out all US troops.

order dealt a blow to US military operations in Sahel, a vast region south of Sahara desert where groups linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State group operate.

Pentagon has said US troops will depart but has not provided a precise timeline.

When Russian troops arrived last month, it wasn't clear where y were staying. A US official said y are now located on or side of Niamey facility, known as Airbase 101, and are not near US forces.

base is by Diori Hamani International Airport, where or international forces — such as Germans and Italians — also reside.

official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss troop movements. It's not clear exactly how many US troops remain at Niamey base.

Russian presence on base comes as tensions remain high between Washington and Moscow over ongoing US support for Ukraine's military.

About 1,000 US troops are still in Niger, but bulk of m moved to what's called Airbase 201 near Agez, some 920 kilometers (550 miles) away from capital, not long after mutinous soldiers ousted country’s democratically elected president last July.

A few months later, ruling junta asked French forces to leave and turned to Russian mercenary group Wagner for security assistance.

In October, Washington officially designated military takeover as a coup, which triggered US laws restricting military support and aid that it can provide to Niger. Since n, diplomatic efforts to restore ties with Niger have been unsuccessful.

Until recently, Washington considered Niger a key partner and ally in a region swept by coups in recent years, investing millions of dollars in Agez base, which has been critical to US counterterrorism operations in Sahel.

US also has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in training Niger’s military since it began operations re in 2013.

Pentagon also has said US will relocate most of approximately 100 forces it has deployed in neighboring Ch for now. Ch is also considering wher to continue its security agreement with US.

Major General Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, told reporters that departure from Ch "is a temporary step as part of ongoing review of our security cooperation, which will resume after Ch’s May 6th presidential election.”