US Withdraws from Key Niger Military Base Amid Rising Tensions

The US has transferred control of its last military base in Niger, Airbase 201 in Agadez, to local authorities. This follows a previous withdrawal from Airbase 101 in Niamey. The move comes as part of an agreement following a coup in Niger, significantly impacting US counterterrorism operations in the region.

The United States has transferred control of its last military base in Niger, Airbase 201 in Agadez, to local authorities, according to a joint statement by the US Department of Defense and Niger's Ministry of Defense issued on Monday.

This handover follows the earlier withdrawal of US troops from Airbase 101, a small drone base situated in Niger's capital city of Niamey. American forces have been given until September 15 to complete their exit from the Sahel nation, as stipulated by an agreement with Nigerien authorities.

In March, Niger's ruling junta terminated an accord permitting US military operations in the West African country. This expulsion holds significant ramifications for US counterterrorism efforts in the region, particularly as militant groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group continue to expand their reach.

(With inputs from agencies.)