Russian and US troops stand on the brink of a major military confrontation, after being forced to share the same barracks in an African country.

American special force units have been based in Niger for some eleven years, carrying out counter-terrorism operations against Islamic jihadis.

The soldiers have been operating out of a military camp known as AirBase 101, providing support to the Niger government.

However relations between Washington and Niamey soured after army officers toppled President Mohamed Bazoum’s regime in July last year, while fears of WW3 continue to escalate.

The White House condemned the coup, infuriating the new military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani.

In March the US was told to withdraw its troops from the West African country, which has turned to Russia for assistance fighting Islamist insurgents in the south of the country.

Putin’s troops arrived recently in Niger and have been allocated quarters in the same base as the Americans.

With tensions already running high between Russia and the US over Ukraine, there are genuine fears that the two sides could come to blows.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin tried to play down the risks of a confrontation, saying the situation was under control.

“The Russians are in a separate compound and don’t have access to US forces or access to our equipment,” he told journalists in Honolulu, Hawaii.

“I’m always focused on the safety and protection of our troops… But right now, I don’t see a significant issue here in terms of our force protection.”

Niger is in Africa’s Sahel region, which is considered the new global epicentre of the Islamic State group.

The country was instrumental in helping the US keep tabs on regional jihadist activity.

The Russians deployed to the airbase at the international airport in Niamey are believed to be military trainers.

It is reported they are occupying a wing close to a contingent of US troops and they are believed to number around 60.

Most of the US troops in Niger are said to be at a drone base in the central city of Agadez, some 750km (460 miles) north-east of Niamey.