The United States military has completed its withdrawal from Air Base 201 in Niger, following the junta’s order for nearly 1,000 US personnel to leave after last year’s coup. The base, which had provided vital intelligence for efforts against Islamist militants in the region, is situated near Agadez and had cost the US $100 million. A joint statement from Niger’s defense ministry and the US military confirmed the withdrawal, noting effective cooperation between both forces ensured the process finished ahead of schedule. Niger had given the US until September 15 to remove all its troops from Nigerien soil. Its authorities revoked the military accord that allowed US troops in the country in March in response to US concerns about the potential arrival of Russian forces as well as reports of Iran seeking uranium in the West African nation.
SOURCE: REUTERS
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