A United States congressman's report claims that more than 1,000 U.S. military personnel are in a potential “hostage” situation in Niger as coup leaders in that country strengthen their position.
In July 2023, a military junta took control of the West African nation. Although they suggest U.S. troops at Air Base 101 and Air Base 201 in the Sahel region are no longer welcome, the Defense Department has decided to remain, arguing their presence is a demonstration of support for the Nigerien people. This sentiment remains at the Pentagon despite the decreasing likelihood of reinstating the democratically elected government.
The choatic situation in the Sahel persists due to a surge in Al Qaeda and Islamic State-linked violence, particularly in the tri-border Tillabéri region where Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger meet. (RELATED: Israel Launches Massive Aerial Campaign Against Iran)
Washington recently indicated that it may pull out its service members who provide logistical, intelligence and drone support to counterterrorism operations. However, the Biden administration continues to send mixed signals on the issue. Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) alleges that the White House is pressuring U.S. personnel to stay in place beyond their deployment.
Gaetz's report, obtained by Breitbart News, accuses the administration of deliberately covering up the reality of U.S. operations in the Sahel from Congress, the soldiers stationed there and their families anxiously awaiting their return:
“Our troops are currently sitting on a powder keg caused by political indecision at the top of the Department of State and Department of Defense. With a military junta in charge — who detests our presence and considers us unserious and predatory — the situation seems to be setting the groundwork for catastrophic diplomatic collapse like we saw during the 2012 Benghazi attack. Additionally, these troops are already running short on necessary, life-saving supplies, such as blood and medications,” the report by Gaetz's office said.
“They are, in effect, hostages of an indecisive Commander-in-Chief,” the report said.
The report is based on interviews by Gaetz's office with troops currently stationed in Niger, who reached out to Gaetz's office after they did not receive assistance from the Departments of Defense and State.
The service members are currently deployed to Airbase 101 (AB101) in the capital of Niger, Niamey, as part of the 768th Expeditionary Airbase Squadron (768 EABS), which is comprised of active duty and reserve forces, Air National Guard airmen, Army Special Forces and contract support. There are about 450 personnel at Air Base 101. Until the takeover by the junta, the base was a major hub for U.S. intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) against terrorist groups Al-Qaeda, the Islamic State in West Africa, Boko Haram, and Ansaru. It was also a hub for U.S. military advisers supporting Niger's forces.
Shortly before the coup, Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Niger as an indispensable U.S. ally and beacon of Democracy. That was before mutinous soldiers detained the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. (RELATED: Blinken: Ukraine To Eventually Become A Member Of NATO)
Besides hosting U.S. troops and drones combating Islamic terrorists, the country is rich in uranium. Furthermore, Russia is competing for power and control.
Niger became a bulwark against jihadist groups located in the north and west of the country, as well as Boko Haram extremists from the south, transforming into an essential partner for European countries in the fight against terrorism.
Western officials had praised Bazoum for his willingness to combat terrorism and address the root causes of radicalization.
However, the junta under General Abdourahmane Tiani eventually canceled the military accords following discussions with the U.S. State Department and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
“This deterioration of diplomatic arrangements has led to our service members being caught in the middle of a standoff between an inept Department of State and a U.S.-trained Nigerian [sic] coup-force. This breakdown has led to total cessation of diplomatic clearance overflights, preventing the delivery of mail, necessary medical supplies, blood to replenish the blood bank (which requires constant turnover due to expiration windows), equipment and repair supplies; and other routine materiel from the United States,” Gaetz's report argues.
“Personnel rotations for service members have been halted, leaving our troops stranded without any indication of relief or return home, as replacements [aren't] authorized to enter Niger,” it maintained.
It further alleges that there is a growing shortage of medical supplies, particularly at Air Base 101, leaving the garrison unprepared to handle a mass casualty event.
You can read the complete report by clicking here.
READ NEXT: Ex-Trump Juror Reveals Scary News – Major Court Ruling Follows
Please allow time before your comment appears, as all comments are reviewed and subject to moderation. View our Comment Policy here.