The Video Is Outdated and Unrelated to Reports of Russian and American Troops at a Base in Niger

Misbar investigated the claim and found it to be misleading. The video in question is old and does not depict recent participation of Russian and American armies at a shared military base in Niger.

Video of American and Russian Soldiers Dancing Together

Misbar found the video posted on TikTok in November 2021, showing scenes where members of both the Russian and American armies were dancing together. Nevertheless, Misbar was unable to verify the exact location where the video was filmed, emphasizing that it was not a recent occurrence.

Russian Troops at an Airbase Hosting American Soldiers in Niger

The circulation of the video followed media reports that Russia had deployed forces to an airbase in Niger hosting American soldiers after the ruling military council in Niger ordered all American troops to leave the country.

This incident occurred at airbase 101 in the capital city of Niamey. The precise count of American troops stationed at the base is uncertain, although a U.S. official informed the Associated Press that only a limited number of American troops remain there.

The same official also disclosed that Russian forces arrived the previous month, following Niger's request for the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 U.S. troops from the country.

Before the military council seized power in a coup in July 2023, Niger was a significant ally in U.S. military operations within the African Sahel region, where groups affiliated with ISIS and Al-Qaeda operate.

American Forces in Niger

According to a senior U.S. defense official speaking to Reuters, Russian forces were not mingling with U.S. troops. The official characterized the situation as "not great, but in the short-term manageable." Additionally, sources informed CNN that Russian and American forces do not operate in the same part of the airbase.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated in a press conference that "the Russians are in a separate compound and don't have access to U.S. forces or access to our equipment." He added, "I'm always focused on the safety and protection of our troops, something that we'll continue to watch. But right now, I don't see a significant issue here in terms of our force protection.”

The Arrival of Russian Military Personnel to Niger

The Pentagon had previously announced plans for its troops to depart Niger, although there is currently no specified timeline for the completion of this withdrawal.

It is noteworthy that Niger has shifted its focus towards Russia since the current military regime came to power, a move officially recognized by the Biden administration as a "military coup." This classification has led to the enactment of U.S. legislation restricting the amount of military training and assistance that can be offered to Niger.

According to sources, Russian trainers and soldiers have recently arrived in Niger, along with equipment including an air defense system. This development is viewed as part of efforts to strengthen security relations with the Kremlin.

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