US Begins Gradual Withdrawal from Niger

Defense Pact Terminated

Key Points

The United States has initiated a gradual withdrawal of its forces from Niger, a West African nation where it has played a key role in counterterrorism operations for over a decade.

The withdrawal comes after the Nigerien government terminated a vital defense pact with the US, citing concerns over the country's sovereignty and the lack of coordination with its own forces.

This news serves as a significant blow to the US-led counterterrorism campaign in the Sahel region, which has been grappling with escalating violence from extremist groups.