US shuts last military base in Niger, completes withdrawal of its troops

By Anadolu staff

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - The US announced Monday that it has completed the withdrawal of its forces and assets from its last military base in Niger.

“The US Department of Defense and the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Niger announce that the withdrawal of US forces and assets from Air Base 201 in Agadez is complete,’’ the Pentagon said in a statement.

The US said its efforts to withdraw from the West African nation, which is ruled by a military junta, began on May 19 and will continue between US and Nigerien armed forces over the coming weeks to ensure that the full withdrawal is completed as planned.

The Pentagon said Nigerien Air Base 201, located near the town of Agadez in central Niger, was improved by the United States to support enhanced defense cooperation with the Nigerien Armed Forces and regional counterterrorism efforts.

“Over the past decade, US troops have trained Niger's forces and supported partner-led counterterrorism missions against Islamic State and Al Qaeda in the region,’’ it said.

The military administration in Niger asked the US to leave the country more than a year ago after a breakdown in relations following a coup.

The US said effective cooperation and communication between it and the Nigerien Armed Forces ensured that this turnover was finished ahead of schedule and without complications.

Two sides also recognized the "sacrifices made by both nations' forces,’’ said the statement.