- This marks the first step in a full withdrawal
- Air Base 201 is expected to be vacated
- This follows broader shift in the region
The U.S. military has finished withdrawing its personnel from Air Base 101 in Niger’s capital, Niamey. This marks the first step in a full withdrawal ordered by Niger’s junta in April following a coup.
“This operation went smoothly and ahead of schedule thanks to strong cooperation between our forces,” stated a joint statement from Niger’s defense ministry and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Attention now shifts to the larger drone base in Agadez, a crucial source of intelligence on jihadist groups in the region. Air Base 201 is expected to be vacated in August, according to U.S. Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman. The U.S. has until September 15th to fully withdraw from Niger.
This development comes amidst a broader shift in the region. Niger, along with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, all under military rule, signed a treaty on Saturday establishing a closer alliance. These countries have also severed defense agreements with Western and U.N. forces, including Russia sending military trainers to Niger in April.
