The US military swiftly withdrew its personnel from Niger’s Air Base 101 near Niamey’s airport, in compliance with the country’s ruling junta’s order to exit after a coup last year. The operation was executed smoothly, highlighting exceptional cooperation between Nigerian and American forces, as stated in a joint release from both nations’ defense ministries.
Plans now concentrate on the evacuation from the $100 million drone base near Agadez, offering critical intelligence on jihadist groups, according to US Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman.
The withdrawal from Air Base 201 is expected to occur in August, aligning with Niger’s deadline of September 15 for US troop removal. Amidst these shifts, Russia has initiated military training efforts in Niger, while Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have forged a closer union with a confederation treaty, dissolving previous defense pacts with Western and UN forces.
Published 08 July 2024, 03:01 IST
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