U.S. Troops Exit Niger’s Air Base 201 Following Junta’s Orders

America retreats from Africa. Pushed out by Russia and China

In a whirlwind of military maneuvering, the United States has abruptly ended its presence at Niger’s Air Base 201, obeying the edicts of the nation’s ruling junta. This swift evacuation involves nearly 1,000 U.S. personnel, a direct consequence of the coup that rocked Niger last year. The airbase, a $100 million investment near Agadez, was once the linchpin in the U.S. strategy for monitoring Islamist militant groups across the region.

The U.S. military fully withdrawn its forces from Niger.

The military leaders in the African country told them to leave about a year ago. pic.twitter.com/OkBR3HsV42

— Clash Report (@clashreport) August 5, 2024

The pullout, however, was not a chaotic scramble but a meticulously coordinated effort. Niger’s defense ministry, alongside the U.S. military, issued a joint statement heralding the smooth and expedited withdrawal. “The effective cooperation and communication between the U.S. and Nigerien armed forces ensured that this turnover was finished ahead of schedule and without complications,” the statement read, a testament to the operational precision involved.

This decisive move is part of a broader expulsion strategy by Niger’s junta, which has mandated the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces by September 15. This follows the earlier evacuation of Air Base 101, underscoring a strict adherence to the junta’s orders.

🇳🇪 JUST IN: The withdrawal of U.S. forces and assets from Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger, is complete.

U.S. forces are still on track to meet the Sept. 15 deadline of a full withdrawal from Niger, there are now less than 24 U.S. military personnel still in the country. (US DoD) pic.twitter.com/scbwy1FuW5

— MenchOsint (@MenchOsint) August 5, 2024

The roots of this forced departure are entwined with geopolitical anxieties. In a significant meeting held in Niamey in mid-March, U.S. officials expressed deep unease over the anticipated influx of Russian forces and Iran’s interest in Niger’s rich uranium deposits. The situation intensified in April when Russia dispatched military trainers to Niger, further complicating the international stakes.

BREAKING:

The U.S. turned over control of its 2 military bases in Niger today

More than 1000 U.S. soldiers had been stationed in the country but are all being sent home

The U.S. used the bases for drone strikes against ISIS, Al-Qaida & Boko Haram fighters in the region

🇺🇸🇳🇪 pic.twitter.com/xjZSDCOLPM

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 5, 2024

These developments have transformed the local political shake-up into a global strategic concern, highlighting the precarious balance of power and the unpredictable future of Niger’s international alliances. The rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops from a key intelligence hub signals a volatile intersection of local unrest and global strategic recalibration.

Major Points

• The U.S. military has withdrawn from Air Base 201 in Niger, following the junta’s orders after last year’s coup.
• The $100 million drone base near Agadez was crucial for intelligence on Islamist militants.
• Niger’s defense ministry and the U.S. military confirmed the smooth and ahead-of-schedule withdrawal.
• The junta has set a September 15 deadline for the removal of all U.S. troops.
• Concerns over Russian forces and Iran’s interest in Niger’s uranium prompted the expulsion.

Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News