The United States of America has commenced a major military movement in Niger Republic. The Headquarters, United States Department of Defence (Pentagon), is now repositioning some troops and equipment within Niger. The US will also withdraw a small number of non-essential personnel “out of an abundance of caution.” This is the first major military movement since the coup in July.
U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to say how many personnel would be departing and how many were repositioning within Niger from Air Base 101 in Niamey, the capital, to Air Base 201 in the city of Agadez.
“This consolidation represents prudent military planning to safeguard U.S. assets while continuing to address the threat of violent extremism in the region,” one of the officials said.
“This does not change our overall force posture in Niger, and we continue to review all options as we assess a way forward,” the official added.
"The movement of U.S. assets has been coordinated with and approved by the appropriate authorities.”
The officials declined to give further details on the reason for the repositioning. It is generally easier to evacuate people from a single location, though there is no evidence that is imminent.
