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U.S. Military Completes Withdrawal from Niger, Closes Last Base in Agadez, Pentagon Says

Aug 5, 2024, 12:38 PM

The U.S. military has completed its withdrawal from Niger, finalizing the closure of its last base in the country. The ceremony marking the definitive closure of the American drone base took place in Agadez on August 5, 2024, attended by both Nigerian and American military officials. This move ends a yearslong counterterrorism mission in the West African nation, despite the ongoing rise of violent extremism in the region. The withdrawal follows more than a year after military coup leaders in Niger demanded the U.S. forces leave. The Pentagon says the exit of American troops raises concerns about the increasing influence of Islamic State groups such as ISGS and ISWAP, which are reportedly building momentum in Niger.