Troop Repositioning
In response to ongoing protests, the U.S. military is planning a significant reduction in its troop presence in Niger. The Defense Department has initiated the repositioning of forces from the Niamey airport to a second, smaller base located in Agadez, roughly 500 miles away. This move follows the recent military coup on July 26, and Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh confirmed the repositioning efforts. The troop reduction could bring the overall number of U.S. military personnel in Niger down to a range of 500 to 1,000, compared to the 1,200 troops present before the coup.
Impact on Counterterrorism Efforts
This shift marks the first substantial withdrawal of U.S. troops from Niger since the military junta assumed power in July. The Biden administration has not officially labeled the incident as a “coup,” a classification that would necessitate ending military and other forms of aid to the country. Nevertheless, the Pentagon has halted training operations with Nigerien forces. Additionally, flights from Agadez, a U.S.-funded drone base crucial for counterterrorism operations in the region, have been irregular.
Any significant reduction in U.S. military presence in Niger would have implications for the ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region. The French military, which also maintains a substantial presence in Niger, is reportedly in discussions with the military junta regarding the withdrawal of its forces.
Uncertainty Regarding Troop Numbers
Defense Department officials stressed that the final decision on the precise number of U.S. troops remaining in Niger after the repositioning has not been made. The number will depend on the accommodations available in Agadez and the assessment of Pentagon leaders regarding the requirements for sustaining the counterterrorism mission.
According to one Defense Department official, the focus is on aligning the right personnel with the appropriate mission, with less emphasis on specific troop numbers.
Stability and Caution
The situation in Niger is currently relatively stable, and there is no immediate threat to U.S. troops, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh. A reduced U.S. military presence will still be maintained at Niamey airport, while the majority of troops will be relocated to Agadez. The decision to shift troops out of Niamey was made out of an abundance of caution, particularly following protests near a French military base in the city.
“We are trying to reduce the footprint in Niamey but still maintain our ability to conduct counterterrorism operations,” emphasized one Defense Department official.
In summary, the U.S. military is planning a significant reduction in troop presence in Niger, relocating personnel to Agadez from Niamey amid ongoing protests. This move reflects the evolving situation in Niger and aims to balance the need for security with the ongoing counterterrorism mission in the region.
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