Connect with us

    Hi, what are you looking for?

    News

    US withdraws troops from Niger

    US troops have completed a withdrawal from their base in Niger’s capital of Niamey and will fully depart from Agadez in the north before a September 15 deadline set by the country’s military rulers, both countries announced.

    After a July 2023 coup, Niger’s military leaders scrapped a military cooperation deal with Washington in March.

    The United States had around 650 soldiers in Niger as part of anti-jihadist missions in several Sahel nations of West Africa, including a major drone base near Agadez.

    “The defence ministry of Niger and the US Defence Department announces that the withdrawal of American forces and equipment from the Niamey base 101 is now completed,” the two countries said in a statement on Sunday night July 7.

    A final flight carrying US troops was due to leave Niamey late Sunday.

    The US presence had stood at around 950 troops, and 766 soldiers have left Niger since the military ordered their departure, AFP learned at a ceremony at the base attended by Niger’s army chief of staff Maman Sani Kiaou and US General Kenneth Ekman.

    “American forces are now going to focus on quitting Airbase 201 in Agadez,” the statement said, insisting that the withdrawal would be completed by September 15 as planned.

    Niger had already ordered the withdrawal of troops from France, the former colonial power, and has strengthened ties with Russia which has provided instructors and equipment.

    Also over the weekend, Germany’s defence ministry also said it would end operations at its airbase in Niger by August 31 following the breakdown of talks with military leaders.

     

    Loading

    Spread the love
    Click to comment

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ad

    You May Also Like

    News

    Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has dismissed recent claims by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu alleging lapses in pilot preparation, substance abuse among flight crews,...

    Tech

    OpenAI Chief Executive Officer, Sam Altman, has announced a major policy shift for the company’s flagship chatbot, ChatGPT, revealing plans to relax content restrictions...

    News

    Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for the regulation of social media in Nigeria, warning that its unrestrained use poses a...

    News

    The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a voice vote by lawmakers...