A small number of American military personnel remain to guard the U.S. Embassy in the West African country….reports Asian Lite News
The U.S. has completed the withdrawal of its troops from Niger, according to a statement on Monday by Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh.
A small number of American military personnel remain to guard the U.S. Embassy in the West African country.
The withdrawal follows Niger’s ruling junta’s decision earlier this year to terminate an agreement allowing U.S. troops to operate within its borders.
The last American military bases were handed over to Nigerien authorities last month, but around two dozen U.S. soldiers stayed behind to manage administrative tasks related to the withdrawal.
This move comes after Niger’s coup last year, forcing the U.S. to abandon key counterterrorism bases in the Sahel region, where groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State operate.
Niger had been a crucial partner for Western nations, including the U.S. and France, in combating growing jihadi insurgencies in the region.
Over 2,500 Western military personnel had been stationed there, alongside substantial investments in military aid and training.
However, Niger has shifted away from Western alliances, turning to Russia for security. Russian military trainers arrived in April to strengthen Niger’s air defenses.
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