Demonstrators march in the streets in Niamey, Niger on Saturday, April 14, 2024 after the country's military government further ended a military accord with the U.S. and welcomed Russian military instructors to the country. (Source: Screenshot - Al-Jazeera)

US military completes controversial withdrawal from air base in Niger

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NIAMEY, Niger — The U.S. military and Nigerien officials announced Monday it has completed its withdrawal of all personnel and equipment from an air base near Agadez, Niger which was had previously provided strategic advantage for the military and allies battling Islamist militant groups.

The $100 million air base 101 deployed and stored drones which helped the U.S. military gather intelligence before Niger’s ruling junta ordered all U.S. military personnel to leave shortly after a military coup last year.

Nearly 1,000 U.S. troops pulled out of the air base last month, ahead of the Sept. 15 deadline imposed by Niger’s ruling junta.

During a meeting with Niger officials in March, U.S. officials expressed concerns about Russian troops being installed at the base, who were reportedly providing training, as well as reports Iran was seeking uranium from the mineral-rich country.

More on the controversial withdrawal and military coup in Niger.

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