U.S. hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta
7 months, 3 weeks ago

U.S. hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta

LA Times  

The U.S. has handed over its last military base in Niger, in the city of Agadez, to the country’s authorities. The U.S. handed over its last military base in Niger — one of two crucial hubs for American counterterrorism operations in the country — to local authorities, the U.S. Department of Defense and Niger’s Ministry of Defense announced in a joint statement Monday. The handing over of Airbase 201 in the city of Agadez came after U.S. troops withdrew earlier this month from Airbase 101, a small drone base in Niger’s capital of Niamey. Niger’s ouster of American troops following a coup last year has broad ramifications for the U.S. because it is forcing troops to abandon the critical base that was used for counterterrorism missions in the Sahel, a vast region south of the Sahara Desert where groups linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group operate.

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History of this topic

US military completes withdrawal from junta-ruled Niger
6 months, 1 week ago

US military completes withdrawal from junta-ruled Niger

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Earlier this year, Niger’s ruling junta ended an agreement …

US military completes withdrawal from junta-ruled Niger
6 months, 1 week ago

US military completes withdrawal from junta-ruled Niger

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Niger is complete, an American official said Monday. Earlier this year, Niger’s ruling junta ended an agreement that allowed U.S. troops to operate in the West African country. The U.S. handed over its last military bases in Niger to local authorities last month, but about two dozen American soldiers had remained …

US hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta
7 months, 3 weeks ago

US hands over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The U.S. handed over its last military base in Niger — one of two crucial hubs for American counterterrorism operations in the country — to local authorities, the U.S. Department of Defense and Niger’s Ministry of Defense announced in a joint statement on Monday. The handing over of Airbase 201 in the city of Agadez came after …

Nigeria: At least 21 soldiers killed in ambush by 'terrorist group,' ruling junta says
9 months ago

Nigeria: At least 21 soldiers killed in ambush by 'terrorist group,' ruling junta says

India TV News  

Niamey : An ambush by a “terrorist group” killed 21 Nigerien soldiers near the country's border with Burkina Faso on Tuesday, Niger's ruling military junta said in a statement read on national television. Niger and neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso are also battling movements linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State extremist group in a decade-long conflict in the Sahel …

US set to evacuate ‘illegal’ troops from Niger
10 months, 1 week ago

US set to evacuate ‘illegal’ troops from Niger

Al Jazeera  

Strengthening ties with Russia as it pulls back from Western allies, Niger has deemed US troops’ presence ‘illegal’. The United States says it will pull all its troops out of Niger within the next four months or so after the West African country’s military government ordered them to leave. Niger last month told Washington to withdraw its military personnel, which …

US troops, equipment will depart from Niger by mid-September, the Pentagon says
10 months, 1 week ago

US troops, equipment will depart from Niger by mid-September, the Pentagon says

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — U.S. troops ordered out of Niger by the West African country’s ruling junta will complete their withdrawal by the middle of September, the Pentagon and Nigerien defense officials said Sunday. The U.S. also will leave behind infrastructure it has built over the years to support the approximately 1,000 troops who have been based there to conduct counterterrorism missions, …

Russian troops enter Niger air base housing US military amid bitterness over Ukraine conflict; details here
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Russian troops enter Niger air base housing US military amid bitterness over Ukraine conflict; details here

Live Mint  

Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger that is hosting U.S. troops, a senior U.S. defense official told Reuters, a move that follows a decision by Niger's junta to expel U.S. forces from the country. A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Russian forces were not mingling with U.S. troops but were using …

Austin confirms Russians deployed to airbase housing US military in Niger
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Austin confirms Russians deployed to airbase housing US military in Niger

Al Jazeera  

Officials says Russians do not have access to US forces at Airbase 101 as Moscow’s troops deployed to a separate hanger. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has confirmed that Russian military personnel have entered an airbase in Niger that hosts US forces, following a recent decision by Niger’s military rulers to expel US troops from the country. News of …

Russian trainers move to a Niger airbase where some US troops remain
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Russian trainers move to a Niger airbase where some US troops remain

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Russia has moved some troops onto an airbase in Niger where a small number of U.S. forces remain, but Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he doesn’t see it as a significant issue. The arrival of Russian trainers in the West African country about three weeks ago came in the wake of Niger’s decision to order out all U.S. …

Russian trainers move to Niger airbase where small number of US troops remain
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Russian trainers move to Niger airbase where small number of US troops remain

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Russia has moved some troops …

US to pull troops from Chad and Niger as the African nations question its counterterrorism role
11 months ago

US to pull troops from Chad and Niger as the African nations question its counterterrorism role

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The United States will pull the majority of its troops from Chad and Niger as it works to restore key agreements governing what role there might be there for the American military and its counterterrorism operations, the Pentagon said Thursday. Both African countries have been integral to the U.S. military’s efforts to counter violent extremist organizations across the …

US to pull troops from Chad and Niger as the African nations question its counterterrorism role
11 months ago

US to pull troops from Chad and Niger as the African nations question its counterterrorism role

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The United States will pull …

No final decision on withdrawing US troops from Niger and Chad, top official tells AP
11 months ago

No final decision on withdrawing US troops from Niger and Chad, top official tells AP

Associated Press  

BOSTON — There has been no final decision on whether or not all U.S. troops will leave Niger and Chad, two African countries that are integral to the military’s efforts to counter violent extremist organizations across the Sahel region, a top U.S. military official told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The State Department said Wednesday night that U.S. and Nigerien …

The US military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger
11 months, 1 week ago

The US military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The United States will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger, U.S. officials said Saturday, in what experts say is a blow to Washington and its allies in the region in terms of staging security operations in the Sahel. The prime minister of Niger, appointed by the ruling military junta, Ali Lamine Zeine, and U.S. deputy secretary …

U.S. military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger
11 months, 1 week ago

U.S. military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger

LA Times  

A U.S. flag and Niger flag are raised side by side at the base camp for air forces and other personnel supporting the construction of Niger Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger, on April 16, 2018. The United States will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger, U.S. officials said Saturday, in what experts say is a blow to Washington …

US agrees to withdraw troops from Niger amid Sahel region’s pivot to Russia
11 months, 1 week ago

US agrees to withdraw troops from Niger amid Sahel region’s pivot to Russia

Al Jazeera  

The US built a base in the desert city of Agadez at the cost of $100m for manned and unmanned surveillance flights. The US Department of State agreed to pull out about 1,000 troops from the country that has been under military rule since July 2023, US media reported late on Friday. US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and …

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay
11 months, 1 week ago

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The United States is attempting to create a new military agreement with Niger that would allow it to remain in the country, weeks after the junta said its presence was no longer justified, two Western officials told The Associated Press Friday. Niger plays a central role in the U.S. military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region, Washington is …

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay
11 months, 1 week ago

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The United States is attempting …

Hundreds protest in Niger demanding departure of US troops
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Hundreds protest in Niger demanding departure of US troops

Al Jazeera  

In March, Niger suspended its military cooperation with the US after military government leaders severed ties with France last year. Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets of Niger’s capital to demand the departure of United States troops, after the military government further shifted its strategy by ending a military accord with the US and welcoming Russian military instructors. …

US says it has not received a formal request by Niger junta to leave military bases
1 year ago

US says it has not received a formal request by Niger junta to leave military bases

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A top Pentagon official told …

US says it has not received a formal request by Niger junta to leave military bases
1 year ago

US says it has not received a formal request by Niger junta to leave military bases

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A top Pentagon official told Congress on Thursday that the U.S. has not received a formal request from Niger’s junta to depart the country, saying it has received mixed signals on whether the hundreds of U.S. troops there are no longer welcome. Celeste Wallander, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, told the House Armed Services Committee …

US weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base
1 year ago

US weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is working with Niger officials, seeking a way for U.S. troops to stay in the country — a key base for counterterrorism operations in sub-Saharan Africa — following a weekend directive that they leave. Last week a high level-delegation of U.S. officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of Defense …

U.S. weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base
1 year ago

U.S. weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Pentagon is working with …

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation
1 year ago

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The United States scrambled on …

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation
1 year ago

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation

The Hindu  

The United States scrambled on March 17 to assess the future of its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel after Niger's junta said it was ending its years-long military cooperation with Washington following a visit by top U.S. officials. Top U.S. envoy Molly Phee returned to the capital, Niamey, this week to meet with senior government officials, accompanied by Marine Gen. …

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation
1 year ago

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — The United States scrambled on Sunday to assess the future of its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel after Niger’s junta said it was ending its yearslong military cooperation with Washington following a visit by top U.S. officials. Top U.S. envoy Molly Phee returned to the capital, Niamey, this week to meet with senior government officials, accompanied by …

Niger’s junta says US military presence is no longer justified
1 year ago

Niger’s junta says US military presence is no longer justified

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — Niger’s junta said Saturday the U.S. military presence in the country is no longer justified, making the announcement on state television after holding high-level talks with U.S. diplomatic and military officials this week. Niger plays a central role in the U.S. military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region and is home to a major airbase. He said Niger …

Niger's junta says U.S. military presence is no longer justified
1 year ago

Niger's junta says U.S. military presence is no longer justified

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Niger's junta said Saturday the …

Niger suspends military cooperation with US: Spokesman
1 year ago

Niger suspends military cooperation with US: Spokesman

Al Jazeera  

The suspension follows an earlier move that has seen thousands of French soldiers exit the West African nation. Niger has suspended its military agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”, according to the ruling military spokesman Colonel Amadou Abdramane, in a blow to US security interests in the region. The pact allowed US military personnel and civilian defence staff …

U.S. military operations across the Sahel region at risk after Niger ends cooperation
1 year ago

U.S. military operations across the Sahel region at risk after Niger ends cooperation

LA Times  

Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, front center, makes a statement on July 26, 2023, in Niamey, Niger, as a delegation of military officers appeared on Niger State TV announcing their coup d’etat. The U.S. is scrambling to assess its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region of Africa after the ruling junta in Niger said it was ending military cooperation with Washington. …

France completes withdrawal of troops from northern base in Niger as part of planned departure
1 year, 5 months ago

France completes withdrawal of troops from northern base in Niger as part of planned departure

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — France has completed the withdrawal of troops from a northern base in Niger as part of a planned departure from the West African country in the wake of July’s military coup. Nearly 200 troops, 28 trucks and two dozen armored vehicles left the Ouallam military base, which has been handed to Niger, a junta spokesman, Col. Maj. …

The US declares the ousting of Niger’s president a coup and suspends military aid and training
1 year, 5 months ago

The US declares the ousting of Niger’s president a coup and suspends military aid and training

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The United States on Tuesday formally declared the ousting of Niger’s democratically-elected president a coup d’etat, more than two months after mutinous soldiers seized power. In August, Niger’s military rulers said they would restore constitutional order within three years and would decide on the country’s roadmap through the results from a national dialogue. The Biden administration had been …

U.S. declares ouster of Niger’s president a coup, suspends military aid and training
1 year, 5 months ago

U.S. declares ouster of Niger’s president a coup, suspends military aid and training

LA Times  

The United States on Tuesday formally declared the ousting of Niger’s democratically elected president a coup d’etat, more than two months after mutinous soldiers seized power. Senior administration officials told reporters that the U.S. was taking action after exhausting all avenues to preserve constitutional order in the West African nation, including urging the military leaders to restore civilian rule within …

US military resumes drone flights and manned counterterrorism missions out of Niger bases
1 year, 6 months ago

US military resumes drone flights and manned counterterrorism missions out of Niger bases

Associated Press  

— The U.S. military has resumed flying drones and manned aircraft out of air bases in the Niger more than a month after a coup temporarily halted all those activities there, the head of U.S. Air Forces for Europe and Africa said Wednesday. In response to a question from the Associated Press on how the U.S. was able to continue …

US readying plans to evacuate drone bases if necessary under Niger’s new junta, commander says
1 year, 7 months ago

US readying plans to evacuate drone bases if necessary under Niger’s new junta, commander says

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The U.S. is making precautionary plans to evacuate two key drone and counter-terror bases in Niger if that becomes necessary under the West African nation’s new ruling junta, the Air Force commander for Africa said Friday. That planning includes looking for U.S.-allied nations in the Saharan and Sahel regions, some of the world’s most active areas for al-Qaida- …

The U.S. Military In Africa: A Discreet Presence In Many Places
7 years, 5 months ago

The U.S. Military In Africa: A Discreet Presence In Many Places

NPR  

The U.S. Military In Africa: A Discreet Presence In Many Places Enlarge this image toggle caption Staff Sgt. Yet in many ways, the Niger operation typifies U.S. military missions underway in roughly 20 African countries, mostly in the northern third of the continent. "The focus of the U.S. military operations is basically 'African solutions for African problems,' " said John …

Pentagon identifies fourth US soldier killed in Niger
7 years, 5 months ago

Pentagon identifies fourth US soldier killed in Niger

CNN  

Story highlights The recovery of the missing US service member raised the number of US troops killed in Wednesday's attack to four Five Nigerien soldiers also were killed in the attack CNN — The Defense Department has identified the fourth service member killed in an ambush in Niger on Wednesday as 25-year-old Army Sgt. “There was a full-court press by …

IS suspected in Niger attack that killed 3 US forces
7 years, 5 months ago

IS suspected in Niger attack that killed 3 US forces

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Islamic State-linked militants may have been responsible for the ambush in southwestern Niger that killed three U.S. Army special operations commandos and several local Niger forces, U.S. officials said Thursday. Wednesday’s attack came after U.S. and Niger forces met with local tribal members about 200 kilometers north of Niger’s capital, Niamey, near its border with Mali. Niger’s President …

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