Russian military trainers arrive in Niger as relations deteriorate with the US
Time:2024-05-21 10:40:05 Source:worldViews(143)
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Russian military trainers arrived this week in Niger to reinforce the country’s air defenses as the west African nation pulls away from close cooperation with the United States in counterterrorism efforts, turning instead to Russia for security.
State television in Niger on Thursday broadcast footage of Russian military trainers arriving in the country aboard a plane equipped with military supplies. Two Russian trainers were filmed in front of the plane at night wearing military uniforms, caps and face coverings.
“We are here to train the Nigerien army to use the military equipment that is here,” one of the Russian trainers said in the broadcast, speaking in French. “We are here to develop military cooperation between Russia and Niger.”
Niger’s ruling military council, known as the CNSP, has yet to order American troops out, U.S. officials have said. But the arrival of Russian forces makes it complicated for the U.S. forces, along with diplomatic and civilian personnel, to remain in the country. It also throws into doubt the future of joint Niger-U.S. counterinsurgency operations.
Previous:Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal
Next:Election 2024: Biden and Trump bypassed the Commission on Presidential Debates
You may also like
- Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
- Chinese Language Day celebrated at UN with cultural exhibition
- After a near
- Chinese business group 'shocked, dissatisfied' over EU raids on Chinese company
- US overdose deaths dropped in 2023, the first time since 2018
- China to hold first space cooperation forum with LatAm, Caribbean countries
- Chinese foreign ministry official on US Secretary of State Blinken's visit to China
- 1 dead, 7 missing after 2 Japan MSDF helicopters crash near Izu Islands
- Uber and Lyft say they'll stay in Minnesota after Legislature passes driver pay compromise