Army in Niger backs coup as U.S. forces in the country assess situation

The army in the west African nation of Niger said Thursday it would offer no resistance to the forces that seized power in an armed coup this week.

Meanwhile, U.S. forces in Niger were on restricted movements while they assess the situation, according to two U.S. defense officials who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The country, rich in natural resources, has been a key partner in the West’s fight against Islamist groups in west Africa. The U.S. has about 1,100 troops in Niger spread out at three outposts, with a primary mission of training and supporting the local Nigerien forces, specifically the Special Operations.