First U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III withdrawal flight aircraft with American troops from Air Base 101 in Niamey on June 7, 2024 (Credit: U.S. Africom)

By Gary Raynaldo      –   DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

The U.S. has completed the withdrawal of its nearly 1,000 American troops in west African nation Niger, the Pentagon announced. The military junta in Niger ordered the withdrawal of the U.S. soliders in April, after toppling the government of President Mohammed Bazoum last year. The transition began on 19 May with signing of the Terms of Withdrawal and ended Saturday July 8 during a turnover ceremony with the Joint Disengagement Commission following the final departure of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Air Base 101, according to the Department of Defense.

“With the closure of the U.S. compound on Air Base 101, U.S. forces will now focus on completing the withdrawal from Air Base 201 in Agadez. Both U.S. and Nigerien officials are dedicated to completing a safe, orderly, and responsible withdrawal by September 15, 2024. They emphasize their commitment to the protection and security of American forces during this process,” the DOD said in a statement.

The U.S. airbases in Niger were used for counterterrorism operations against against Islamic extremist groups in the Sahel. The base in the desert city of Agadez  was built at cost of $100 million to fly a fleet of drones.  Russian military instructors reportedly arrived in Niger in April after the Junta ordered the Americans out.  Russia has been expanding its influence and power in the Sahel region as U.S. and French soldiers have pulled out.