US troops in Niger 'stranded', say have no access to mail, medicine
3 Min Read
The situation escalated last month when Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for Niger's ruling junta, publicly denounced the US and terminated the "counterterrorism" partnership between the two countries.
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A US and Niger flag are raised side by side at the base camp for air forces and other personnel supporting the construction of Niger Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger, April 16, 2018 (AP)
A recent report released by Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida revealed that the Biden administration was intentionally concealing crucial intelligence regarding the deteriorating state of US military relations with Niger, The Intercept reports.
According to Gaetz's findings, US service members in Niger are facing significant challenges, including the inability to access essential resources such as medicine, mail, and other forms of support from the Pentagon.
The situation escalated last month when Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for Niger's ruling junta, publicly denounced the US and terminated the "counterterrorism" partnership between the two countries.
Abdramane cited violations of Niger's constitution as the basis for revoking the agreement that allowed US troops and civilian Defense Department employees to operate within Niger since 2012.
Read more: US agrees to pull troops from key drone base in Niger: officials
Despite the seriousness of the situation, the Pentagon is being accused of failing to address the concerns raised by Gaetz's report adequately.
General Michael Langley, the chief of US Africa Command, admitted that the US government is still seeking clarification from Niger's authorities, leaving troops in a precarious position.
Gaetz's report further claims that the US Embassy in Niger, under the leadership of Ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon, is complicit in covering up the failure of diplomatic efforts and suppressing vital intelligence from sources such as the Air Force's Office of Special Investigations and Special Operations Command Africa.
As a result of this concealment, Gaetz asserts, the lives of US troops are being exposed to danger, further undermining the credibility of US military operations in the region.
Read more: More US trouble in Africa as Chad threatens to boot out US troops
In interviews conducted by Gaetz's office, US service members currently serving in Niger expressed feeling "functionally stranded" in an increasingly hostile environment.
They reported being prohibited from conducting missions or returning home at the scheduled end of their deployments.
Moreover, diplomatic clearances for military flights have been denied or left unanswered, thus prolonging the deployments of US troops in Niger.
The report also highlights critical shortages of essential supplies, including medical resources, at US military bases in Niger. The blood bank at Air Base 201, a large US drone base in Agadez, is reportedly not being replenished, posing a potential risk to troops in the event of a mass casualty situation.
Medications for individual service members are expected to run out next month, the report says, noting that the situation is expected to worsen in the near future.
In response to the claims, Pentagon spokesperson Pete Nguyen stated that the sustainment of US personnel has continued through commercial means, and discussions are ongoing with Niger's authorities to approve clearances for upcoming military flights.
Gaetz however remains committed to pushing for immediate action as he warned of imminent danger to US troops if the situation is not resolved promptly.
Joe Biden and Antony Blinken claimed that Niger would be the “centerpiece” of their Africa strategy. Then a coup happened.
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) April 19, 2024
Now 1100 American troops are stranded in Niger, being denied access to supplies, and at risk of another Benghazi-style attack.
But the State Department has… pic.twitter.com/9rGE3wUfdz
