Dakar, PTI
State television in Niger has broadcast footage of Russian military trainers arriving in the country aboard a plane equipped with security supplies. A member of the team told on Thursday that their mission was to help train Nigerien forces. Niger is battling a worsening insurgency waged by jihadi linked groups.
Until now, the US has trained Nigerien forces and considered the country a close and stable ally in a region swept by corps and attempted coups in recent years. But earlier this year, Niger said it no longer recognised the US presence in the country. It has yet to order American troops out, however, US officials have said.
