US withdraws forces from first of two airbases in Niger

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The U.S. finished its withdrawal of forces from an airbase in Niger on Sunday, after Nigerian officials ordered Washington to pull its military presence from the African country.

A military junta took over the country’s government in a coup in the capital city of Niamey last year, which has strengthened the country’s ties with Russia. The Pentagon ordered withdrawal from the country in May, after the junta ended a military cooperation deal with the U.S. The move has sparked concerns of a resurgence in terrorist activity in the region.

The base, dubbed Air Base 101, was located near the capital city, and is one of two airbases in the West African country. The U.S. has a presence in Africa and the Middle East to help combat threats from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

“Today we reflect positively on the past 15 years of security cooperation and shared sacrifice by U.S. forces and Nigerien forces,” U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, the Africa Command Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs, said in a statement. “I am grateful for the close collaboration with our Nigerien hosts to support the safe, orderly and responsible withdrawal of U.S. forces commemorated today at Air Base 101.”

The U.S. will withdraw from the second airbase, located in the city of  Agadez, in September.

“United States Africa Command will maintain our focus on building partner capacity and strengthening relationships and trust,” Ekman said. “We are committed to listening to West African militaries to best support their partner-led, U.S. enabled operations to counter violent extremism and improve security and stability.”