The U.S. military stationed in Niger has resumed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) flights for force protection as troops and assets are redeployed from the capital Niamey to Nigerien Air Base 201, Agadez. This photograph taken by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III/U.S. Air Force/UPI showcases the ongoing operations.
Sept. 14 (UPI) — The Pentagon recently announced the resumption of its ISR missions in Niger, with a focus on force protection. However, counterterrorism efforts and joint training operations have yet to be restarted since the West African nation experienced a coup 50 days ago, resulting in the ousting of its civilian government.
Niger has emerged as a crucial strategic partner for the United States in the Sahel region, where insurgencies are prevalent and Russia has been increasing its presence. Currently, approximately 1,100 U.S. soldiers are stationed in Niger.
U.S. security cooperation in Niger encompasses counterterrorism measures and peacekeeping assistance, including training and military exercises. These activities were halted after the coup that led to the fall of President Mohamed Bazoum’s government on July 26.
Last week, as a precautionary measure, undisclosed numbers of U.S. troops and assets were relocated from Air Base 101 in the capital Niamey to Air Base 201 in Agadez, a city located approximately 570 miles northeast. The move was authorized by Congress in 2019 and aimed to enhance the capabilities of U.S. intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft.
Confirming the developments, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated during a press conference that U.S. forces in Niger have obtained the necessary approvals to resume ISR flights focused on force protection in light of the troop relocation.
However, Singh clarified that counterterrorism operations and security force assistance training with Niger have not yet resumed. She emphasized that the U.S. military has the right to conduct operations to protect its personnel and forces at any given time.
While Singh did not disclose the exact timing of the counterterrorism ISR flights’ resumption, she mentioned that the relocation process is still ongoing. Ensuring the safety of troops and equipment remains a top priority throughout this transition.
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