United States Concerned About Developments in Niger

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed "the United States' concern regarding the developments in Niger following a military coup and condemns any attempt to seize power by force" on Friday. In a press briefing, he noted that "U.S. cooperation with the government of the African nation is at risk, and there is still room for diplomacy among the countries of the African continent." Kirby added, "The military's seizure of power could lead the United States to end security and other cooperation with the government of Niger, jeopardizing existing security and non-security partnerships." There are approximately 1,100 U.S. soldiers in Niger operating from two bases.