US to withdraw its troops from Niger, source says
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The United States will withdraw its troops from Niger, according to a source familiar with the matter. An agreement was reached between U.S Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Niger's leadership. As of last year, there were a little more than 1,000 U.S. troops in Niger, operating out of two bases. The U.S. military used Air Base 201 near Agadez in central Niger, a drone base costing over $100 million, to target Islamic State militants and an al-Qaida affiliate. Last year, Niger's army seized power in a coup, leading to the new authorities in Niger ending military deals with the United States and France and fostering closer ties with Russia. The drawdown of troops will be discussed in the coming days. Despite the withdrawal, diplomatic and economic relationships between the U.S. and Niger will continue.
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https://www.voanews.com/a/us-to-withdraw-military-personnel-from-niger-source-says-/7577865.html