Russian troops have been deployed to an airbase in Niger where American troops are located, top US officials say. The move is seen as adding pressure to the US as it negotiates withdrawing its forces from the country, following an expulsion order by its military junta.

Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger that is hosting U.S. troops, a senior U.S. defense official told Reuters, a move that follows a decision by Niger's junta to expel U.S. forces.