Pentagon looks to keep troops in Niger as junta orders departure

The Pentagon is attempting to broker a deal with Niger's military government to keep U.S. troops in the West African nation for counterterrorism operations.

Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said Monday the U.S. officials had "lengthy and direct" discussions with the junta officials that were also in part spurred by concerns over Niger's potential relationships with Russia and Iran.

"We were troubled on the path that Niger is on," Singh said.