U.S. Completes Military Withdrawal from Niger Amid Rising Terror Threats
The departure marks the end of a key counterterrorism presence as extremist groups gain ground in the Sahel region.
- The U.S. handed over its last military base in Niger to the ruling junta, completing the withdrawal ahead of schedule.
- The pullout follows a coup in Niger and deteriorating relations between the U.S. and the new military government.
- Extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS are expanding their influence in the region, exploiting the security vacuum.
- The U.N. reports that terrorist activities have surged, with groups like JNIM and ISWAP growing stronger.
- Russian military presence in Niger raises concerns about further instability and ineffective counterterrorism efforts.