https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240322/niger-did-not-ask-us-forces-to-leave-provided-assurances-for-their-protection-pentagon-says-1065676957.html

Niger Did Not Ask US Forces to Leave, Provided Assurances for Their Protection, Pentagon Says

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WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Niger ended its military cooperation pact with the United States on March 16. The decision was made following a visit by US officials to... 22.03.2024, Sputnik Africa

2024-03-22T09:50+0100

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The government of Niger has not asked the United States to leave, US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander said in a congressional testimony on Thursday.Recently, a source from Niger's government told Sputnik that the country awaits a plan from the United States to withdraw troops from the nation, adding that it is necessary for the Americans to offer the government an exit plan since they are the ones who know what they have in Niger.

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Niger Did Not Ask US Forces to Leave, Provided Assurances for Their Protection, Pentagon Says

09:50 22.03.2024

© AP Photo / Staff Sgt. Amy YoungerIn this photo provided by the U.S. Air Force, US Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, US Army Special Operations commander, meets with Maj. Gen. Moussa Barmou, Niger Special Operations Forces commander, to discuss anti-terrorism policy and tactics throughout Niger, at Air Base 101, Niger, June 12, 2023.

In this photo provided by the U.S. Air Force, US Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, US Army Special Operations commander, meets with Maj. Gen. Moussa Barmou, Niger Special Operations Forces commander, to discuss anti-terrorism policy and tactics throughout Niger, at Air Base 101, Niger, June 12, 2023. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 22.03.2024

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Niger ended its military cooperation pact with the United States on March 16. The decision was made following a visit by US officials to Niamey last week. The US maintains a large drone base located in the northern region of Niger. By the end of 2023, there were about 1,100 US military personnel present in the nation.

The government of Niger has not asked the United States to leave, US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander said in a congressional testimony on Thursday.

"At this point, the CNSP self-identified government of Niger has not asked or demanded that the United States military depart. There is actually quite a mixed message. We are following up and seeking clarification," Wallender told the US House Armed Services Committee. "They have assured us that American military forces are protected and they will take no action that would endanger them."

Recently, a source from Niger's government told Sputnik that the country awaits a plan from the United States to withdraw troops from the nation, adding that it is necessary for the Americans to offer the government an exit plan since they are the ones who know what they have in Niger.