The Bottom Line Upfront:
The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of all United States combat troops from Niger following the country's military junta's decision to revoke its military cooperation agreement with the United States.
The Breakdown:
- The order affects approximately 1,000 U.S. troops stationed in Niger.
- The withdrawal is a response to the military junta's demand after they overthrew the government last summer.
- This development is part of a broader shift in U.S. military strategy in West Africa, influenced by increasing Russian presence in the region.
- The U.S. troops will relocate to other bases in the region where they can continue operations.
- The withdrawal could undermine U.S. counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel, where Niger has been a strategic partner.
- The U.S. had built a significant drone base in Agadez, Niger, which was central to its operations against Islamist militants.
- The move also impacts efforts to counter Russian influence, with Russian forces, including members of the Wagner Group, now present in Niger.
- Ongoing negotiations between U.S. officials and Niger's junta may influence the final terms and timeline of the withdrawal.
- The situation in Niger is part of a larger trend of anti-Western sentiment in the Sahel region, affecting U.S. and French military presence.
