May 20, 2024
2 mins read

US to pull out troops from Niger by Sep. 15

The newly agreed deadline gives the US four months to drawdown fewer than 1,000 troops who remain in the country…reports Asian Lite News

The US has reached an agreement with Niger to withdraw its military forces from the African nation by September 15, according to the US Defence Department and the Nigerien Ministry of National Defence, CNN reported.

The newly agreed deadline gives the US four months to drawdown fewer than 1,000 troops who remain in the country, as well as their equipment, which includes MQ-9 Reaper drones and other assets.

Niger’s military government announced in March that it had ended an accord with the US that allowed military personnel and civilian staff from the Department of Defence to operate in the country.

The US delegation met with Niger’s ruling military junta last week to try to reach an agreement that would allow for the secure withdrawal of US forces and for clearances for military flights. The flight clearances had been a sticking point in the sensitive negotiations needed to withdraw US forces.

Until now, US troops who have left Niger took commercial flights, including as recently as last week, according to US officials. The remaining troops on the ground are tasked with drawing down US personnel and equipment still in Niger.

The US delegation was led by Chris Meier, the assistant secretary of defence for special operations and low-intensity conflict. The Nigerien delegation was led by Col.-Maj. Mamane Sani Kiaou, the chief of staff of the Nigerian army, CNN reported.

“Both delegations confirmed the guarantees of protection and security to the American forces during their withdrawal. The delegations also established procedures to facilitate the entry and exit of US personnel, including overflight and landing clearances for military flights,” the joint statement said.

A deepening divide between the US and the ruling military junta following the coup last July ultimately led to the withdrawal, as the Biden administration called for a path back to free and fair elections. Rebuffing the calls, the military junta instead began partnering more with Russia, whose forces are now operating at the same base from which US forces are withdrawing, CNN reported.

The US and Niger said they would continue to work together on areas of “common interest.”

“The United States and Niger are committed to ongoing diplomatic dialogue to define the future of their bilateral relations,” the statement said. (ANI)

ALSO READ: US Presses Israel for Gaza Strategy Amid Conflict

Previous Story

UNRWA: Nearly 800,000 now displaced from Rafah

Next Story

Spain recalls envoy to Argentina over ‘insult’

Latest from -Top News

Hasina’s Defiant Words Before Ouster

Reportedly before leaving Hasina wanted to record a farewell speech to be aired on television, but military officials declined….reports Asian Lite News Following a violent student uprising last year, the Bangladeshi military

US Lawmakers Push AI Watchdog on China

The lawmakers stressed that “there is a strong national security need for better understanding, predicting, and preparing for the PRC’s AI progress…reports Asian Lite News Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja

Trump’s 51st State Pitch to Canada

The development follows a meeting between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on May 6, where Trump praised Carney’s political success….reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump claimed that he

Azhar Acquittal Sparks Outrage in Bangladesh

Jailed for nearly 13 years for war crimes, Azharul was received by party leaders and activists at the jail gate by his radical supporters….reports Asian Lite News Once accused of committing crimes

Trump Warns Putin: ‘Playing with Fire’

Trump on Sunday made harsh remarks on both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky…reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that he is “playing with fire”
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Biden invokes wartime act to meet infant food crisis

Using the Defence Production Act, Biden on Wednesday ordered suppliers

China, US hold ‘de-escalation’ trade talks

The US president praised the “very good” discussions and deemed