In a surprising turn of events, Russian military personnel have entered an airbase in Niger that is currently housing American troops, following Niger's junta's decision to expel US forces from the country. This development has heightened tensions between the United States and Russia at a time when their military and diplomatic rivalry is already strained due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

According to a senior US defense official who spoke anonymously to Reuters, Russian forces have not integrated with American troops but are using a separate hangar at Airbase 101, located next to Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport, the capital of Niger. The deployment of Russian troops raises concerns about the future of US installations in the country following their withdrawal.

While the situation is deemed "manageable" in the short term by the US official, it remains to be seen how the presence of Russian forces in close proximity to American troops will unfold. It is unclear at this time what equipment or personnel the US military has left at Airbase 101, as some forces were relocated to Airbase 201 in Agadez after the coup.

Nigerien and Russian embassies in Washington have not yet commented on the issue. However, this development comes as part of Russia's broader efforts to strengthen its relations with African nations and present itself as a friendly alternative to Western countries, with Mali becoming one of its closest African allies.

The expulsion of US troops from Niger echoes similar events in other African nations. US forces have recently withdrawn from Chad, while French forces have been ousted from Mali and Burkina Faso. These changes in military dynamics have been driven by new governments seeking to distance themselves from Western influence.

The US, concerned about the presence of Islamic militants in the Sahel region, has relied heavily on its military presence in Niger for counterterrorism efforts. The withdrawal of American forces and intelligence capabilities raises worries about potential growth of militant groups in the region.

Niger's decision to expel US troops came after a March meeting in Niamey where American officials raised concerns about the expected arrival of Russian forces and reports of Iran seeking raw materials, including uranium, in the country. While the US did not issue an ultimatum, it firmly conveyed that American forces could not coexist with Russian forces on the same base, leading to strained relations between the two nations.

To handle the withdrawal process professionally and responsibly, a two-star US general has been dispatched to Niger. No concrete decisions have been made yet regarding the future of US troops in the country, but the plan is for them to return to their home bases in Germany under the purview of US Africa Command.

As this unfolding situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the presence of Russian forces at the same airbase as US troops will impact the overall geopolitical dynamics in the region and the implications for both American and Russian interests in Africa.