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“The presidential guard has retaken control of the air base with the help of the Russians,” a diplomatic source told AFP.
By Tolulope Oke
Russian forces have helped Niger’s military authorities retake a key military base in the capital, Niamey, after it was seized by mutinous soldiers, according to diplomatic and security sources cited by AFP.
Members of Niger’s presidential guard, backed by Russian forces, recaptured the air base on Saturday after fighting broke out with soldiers involved in the mutiny.
“The presidential guard has retaken control of the air base with the help of the Russians,” a diplomatic source told AFP.
The source said several of the rebelling soldiers were killed during the operation, while two security sources confirmed that the base had been retaken.
The development comes amid renewed tensions within Niger’s military establishment and further highlights Russia’s growing security role in the West African country since the military seized power.
Further details on the clashes and the extent of Russian involvement were still emerging.
