US Military Announces Completion of Niger Withdrawal, According to Reuters

The U.S. military announced on Monday that it has completed its withdrawal from Niger. This decision came after the ruling junta ordered the departure of nearly 1,000 U.S. personnel in April, marking a significant setback for Washington following a coup that occurred last year in the West African nation.

Prior to the coup, Niger had been a crucial ally in the U.S. efforts to combat insurgents in the Sahel region, a conflict that has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. As the U.S. searches for alternative strategies in West Africa, officials have noted that intelligence on the rapidly expanding extremist groups in the area is diminishing.

The withdrawal from Niger was executed in several phases. U.S. forces left Air Base 101 in Niamey on July 7, followed by the exit from Air Base 201 in Agadez on August 5. On Monday, the U.S. military confirmed that the U.S. Africa Command Coordination Element, which included a two-star general and supporting staff, has also departed. The entire withdrawal was completed by a set deadline of September 15.

Over the past decade, U.S. troops have provided training to Nigerien forces and have participated in partner-led counterterrorism operations targeting groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda in the region. The U.S. Department of Defense and the Nigerien Ministry of National Defense acknowledged the sacrifices made by the armed forces of both nations.