The United States is repositioning some of its troops and military equipment within Niger and removing non-essential personnel from the country following a military coup that toppled the democratically elected government. The decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” and does not represent a significant change in the overall number of US military personnel in Niger.

Specifically, US troops stationed at Air Base 101 near Niamey, Niger’s capital, are being moved to Air Base 201 in Agadez, a central Niger facility where the US conducts intelligence and reconnaissance missions. These missions had been suspended since the coup took place, but the US maintained its military presence in the country until this repositioning.

The exact number of non-essential personnel being removed from Niger has not been disclosed. The US currently has approximately 1,100 troops stationed at the two air bases and the embassy in Niamey.

The repositioning of US troops and equipment between the two bases, which are over 450 miles apart, was carried out in coordination with the Nigerien military. The coup in Niger has led to the suspension of certain forms of cooperation between the US and Nigerien military forces.

It’s worth noting that the Biden administration has not officially designated the situation in Niger as a coup and has instead advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. Niger plays a crucial role in the region for the US military, as it enables the Department of Defense to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in neighboring areas facing instability, such as Mali and Burkina Faso.

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SOURCE

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-military-repositioning-some-troops-within-niger-withdrawing-non-essential-2023-09-07/