Russian troops do not have access to US forces or equipment in Niger, Austin says

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Friday there was no significant issue with U.S. forces in Niger, after Reuters reported Russian military personnel had entered an air base in the capital Niamey that is hosting U.S. troops. "But right now, I don't see a significant issue here in terms of our force protection."

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Friday there was no significant issue with U.S. forces in Niger, after Reuters reported Russian military personnel had entered an air base in the capital Niamey that is hosting U.S. troops. "The Russians are in a separate compound and don't have access to U.S. forces or access to our equipment," Austin told a news conference in Honolulu

"I'm always focused on the safety and protection of our troops. "But right now, I don't see a significant issue here in terms of our force protection."

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