US troops withdraw completely from base in Niger

U.S. military officials announced that their troops have completed their withdrawal from Air Base 201 in Niger, local media reported.

It comes as Niger’s ruling junta ordered nearly 1,000 U.S. military personnel to leave following a coup last year.

A joint statement from Niger’s defence ministry and the U.S. military said personnel and equipment from the base had been withdrawn and coordination would continue over the coming weeks to make sure the pullout is complete.

“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.”

Niger’s decision to ask for the removal of U.S. troops came after a meeting in Niamey in mid-March when senior U.S. officials raised concerns about issues such as the expected arrival of Russian forces and reports of Iran seeking raw materials in the country, including uranium.