The publication’s interlocutor stated that the total number of US troops in Niger before the July 26 coup was about 1,200 people. Earlier, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said the US Department of Defense had begun the redeployment of several forces from Niamey air base to a second, smaller air base in Agadez.
“As a result, the total number of (US, editor’s note) troops in Niger could be reduced from 1,200 before the July 26 coup to something ‘right in the middle’: between 500 and 1,000 in the coming weeks,” said an anonymous official. he told Politico Pentagon. He added that the United States still retains the ability to conduct counterterrorism operations.
Another Pentagon source said the total number of troops is not as important to Washington as the mission they perform. “It’s about getting the right people to do the right mission,” he said.
Recall that on July 26 there was a change of power in Niger: the presidential guard under the leadership of General Omar Ciani blocked the palace of the head of state Mohamed Bazoum and announced his overthrow. Later, a provisional administration came to power and announced the creation of a national council for the defense of the Homeland.
