Pentagon says it is repositioning some personnel, assets in Niger

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) – The Pentagon said on Thursday it is repositioning some of its personnel and assets in Niger but the move is being made "out of an abundance of caution."

Deputy spokeswoman Sabrina Singh, speaking at a briefing, said that personnel and assets are being relocated from Air Base 101 in Niamey to Air Base 201 in Agadez.

"Our force posture hasn't changed ... our position remains same. We hope that the situation on the ground gets resolved diplomatically," she said.

Singh also said 1,100 essential US personnel are still in the West African country.

This represents the first significant US military adjustment in Niger since the military takeover in July, during which some non-essential personnel and contractors began leaving the country.

The spokeswoman said there is no immediate threat to US personnel or violence on the ground.

Niger plunged into turmoil on July 26 when Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, a former commander of the presidential guard, led a military intervention that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.