FIRST ON FOX: Multiple rounds of gunfire and alleged deaths were reported in Chad following the country's presidential election results, but U.S. troops are safe, according to the Department of Defense. Meanwhile, tensions escalate in Niger as the country's military favors Russia and threatens to remove U.S. forces.
FOX News Digital has learned that U.S. troops in Chad are "accounted for" following reports of gunfire and alleged deaths in the West African country. Social media videos show weapons and heavy machinery being fired indiscriminately after the announcement of the presidential election results.
A Department of Defense (DOD) source in Africa confirmed that "all U.S. personnel are accounted for" and that the violence is not near their location. The source clarified that most of the weapons were likely fired in celebration, but local media reported five deaths in the capital, N'Djamena.
Chad's interim President Mahamat Deby claimed victory in the election with 61% of the votes.
In Niger, a nearby country where a military junta leans towards Russia, U.S. and Russian forces are stationed on the same airbase.
In March, Niger's military junta demanded the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 U.S. military personnel and contractors. However, the U.S. has maintained a presence in Niger, conducting counterterrorism operations from two bases.
A DOD source confirmed that the U.S. is negotiating a "full pull out" of troops from Niger but emphasized that discussions are ongoing.
Publicly, the U.S. has initiated discussions on an orderly withdrawal. However, a State Department spokesperson stated that negotiations with Niger are "frank" and that the U.S. "does not want to speculate."
Reportedly, Wagner mercenaries, Russia's private army, are operating at the same Airbase 101 in Niamey where U.S. forces are stationed.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin downplayed the potential threat, stating that Russian forces are "at a completely different section of the airport compound" and do not have access to the U.S. side.
However, Strategic Military Intelligence Analyst Rebekah Koffler warns of potential counterintelligence risks.
"The Russians are always collecting intelligence on the U.S. military," she said. "This process is intended to avoid direct confrontation, but dust-ups can occur unintentionally, especially with the current hostility between Moscow and Washington."
U.S. military leaders have emphasized the importance of maintaining a presence in Africa to combat terrorism and other threats.
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, stated that factors such as "terrorism, poverty, food insecurity, climate change and mass migration shatter African lives."
"These factors sow the seeds of violent extremism and Russian exploitation across entire regions of the continent," Langley added.
