The United States handed its last military base in Niger over to the ruling military junta, completing a pullout ordered by Niger's rulers in March. The U.S. deployment had already been substantially reduced after the elected government of Niger was overthrown by a junta. The handover of Airbase 201 was announced on Monday, following the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from Airbase 101.
Key Points
U.S. handed its last military base in Niger over to the ruling military junta
American troops were instructed to leave by September 15
Concerns raised about potential terrorist threats in the region
Pros
Completion of the pullout following orders from Niger's rulers
Smooth handover of the military base to the ruling military junta
Cons
Concerns about leaving U.S. troops in a potentially volatile situation
Terrorist activity increasing in the region as U.S. and European forces withdraw