"Niger Junta Suspends Military Cooperation with US, Citing Unfairness"

Niger has suspended its military agreement with the United States, dealing a blow to US security interests in the region, following a visit by senior US officials that the ruling military spokesman Colonel Amadou Abdramane said did not follow diplomatic protocol. The US military operates a major airbase in Niger, and the suspension comes after the US delegation accused Niger of partnering with Russia and Iran on "secret" deals, which the government denies. The move reflects a broader trend in the region, with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso also kicking out French and other European forces and turning to Russia for support.