U.S. troops wrap-up first phase of withdrawal from Niger Republic
U.S. soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division walk near the G2A Arena following their arrival at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, in Jasionka, Poland February 8, 2022. Patryk Ogorzalek/Agencja Wyborcza.pl via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. POLAND OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN POLAND.
The Ministry of National Defense of Niger and the U.S. Department of Defence announced on Monday the end of the first phase of the withdrawal of U.S. forces and equipment from Nigerien territory.
The announcement was made at the signing ceremony of documents transferring American rights to the Nigerien army at Air Base 101 in Niger’s capital of Niamey.
Transferring American rights to the Nigerien army at Air Base 101 in Niger’s capital of Niamey was in the presence of American ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon and other civil and military personalities of the two countries.
According to Colonel Mamane Sani Kiaou, the chief of staff of the Niger Army, the agreement calls for the removal of all American military assets in Niger.
The agreement calls for the removal of all American military assets in Niger, “including those in Niamey, Agadez, Ouallam and Diffa by September 15.”
After removing forces and equipment from Air Base 101, the United States will focus on withdrawing from Air Base 201 in Agadez City.
“Nigerien and U.S. officials will work to ensure a safe, orderly and responsible withdrawal,” he added.
American troops had announced their official departure from the African nation by September 15.
(Xinhua/NAN)
