US Completes Withdrawal of Military Forces and Assets from Niger
The United States has fully withdrawn its military forces and assets from its last base in Niger, Air Base 201 in Agadez, according to a joint statement released by the US Africa Command on Monday.
The statement, issued by the US Department of Defense and the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Niger, confirmed that the withdrawal is complete. However, it noted that the US and Nigerien militaries will continue to coordinate over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
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Air Base 201, located in central Niger, was a key location for US military operations in the region, supporting joint defense efforts against terrorist groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
This withdrawal follows the completion of the US withdrawal from Air Base 101 near Niamey in early July. Approximately 500 US soldiers were stationed at Air Base 201, marking a significant reduction in US military presence in Niger.
The withdrawal was initiated in March after Niger’s transitional government, which took power in 2023, terminated the country’s military agreement with the US, citing the interests of the Nigerien people. The new authorities have also begun terminating military agreements with France and Germany, leading to the gradual expulsion of foreign military contingents from the country.
