The US Defense Secretary has confirmed that Russian troops are stationed in a military facility along with their American counterparts in Niger.
Reuters previously cited US military officials who claimed that Russian troops have entered a military facility that is hosting US troops.
The move comes after the new military rulers of Niger canceled military agreements with the US and instead asked Russia for help.
US Forces Are Safe
The US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the development in a press conference in Hawaii saying Russian troops posed no danger to US troops.
“The Russians are in a separate compound and don’t have access to U.S. forces or access to our equipment,” Austin said.
US Considering Full Withdrawal
International news agencies are reporting that the White House has sent a two-star General to “arrange a professional and responsible withdrawal” from the country.
The new military junta grabbed power in 2022 coup and asked France and the United States to withdraw their militaries.