Washington, DC – The United States military has officially concluded its withdrawal from Niger, marking the end of a significant counterterrorism operation in the Sahel region. The departure comes after the West African nation’s military junta ordered the expulsion of nearly 1,000 US troops following last year’s coup.
The closure of Air Base 201, a crucial drone base near Agadez, is a major setback for US counterterrorism efforts in the region. Built at a cost of $100 million, the base provided vital intelligence on Islamist militant groups.
A joint statement from the US and Nigerien governments confirmed the completion of the withdrawal, emphasizing smooth cooperation between the two nations. However, the departure comes amid growing tensions between the US and Niger’s military junta.
The Nigerien government had set a September 15 deadline for the complete withdrawal of US forces. The US military previously vacated Air Base 101 in Niamey last month.
The decision to expel US troops followed a meeting between US officials and the Nigerien junta in March, where concerns were raised about the potential involvement of Russian forces and Iranian influence in the country.
Russia has since deployed military trainers to Niger, further escalating tensions in the region.
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