Russian trainers move to Niger airbase where small number of US troops remain

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Russia has moved some troops onto an airbase in Niger where a small number of U.S. forces remain after most American troops left the base in the nation's capital, Niamey, a U.S. official said Thursday. The arrival of Russian trainers in the West African country about three weeks ago came in the wake of Niger’s decision to order out all U.S. troops. About 1,000 U.S. troops are still in Niger, but the bulk of them moved to what's called Airbase 201 near Agadez, some 920 kilometers away from the capital, not long after mutinous soldiers ousted the country’s democratically elected president last July. Chad is also considering whether to continue its security agreement with the U.S. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, told reporters that the departure from Chad "is a temporary step as part of the ongoing review of our security cooperation, which will resume after Chad’s May 6th presidential election.”