The United States has started flying surveillance missions over Niger once again, after temporarily stopping them due to recent changes in the country’s leadership.
A spokesperson confirmed this development on Thursday.
These flights are meant to watch out for potential threats and protect US forces in the region.
They have received the necessary approvals, and the US always maintains the right to take action to safeguard its personnel.
“We can confirm that US forces in Niger commenced ISR flights to monitor for threats for purposes of force protection,” the US Africa Command spokeswoman said, referring to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
“We have secured approvals from appropriate authorities,” she said, noting that “the US always reserves the right to conduct operations to protect our forces and personnel if required.”
However, it’s important to note that while surveillance flights have resumed, some other activities involving the military in Niger, like training the local forces and cooperating to combat terrorism, have not restarted yet.
These activities are crucial for the US’s efforts to help the Sahel region fight against jihadist groups.
Currently, the US has around 1,100 military personnel in Niger. Since the recent changes in leadership, most of them have remained on military bases and have not been involved in active operations.
The President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, was removed from power on July 26 by members of his own security team, and he, along with his family, was detained.
The West African bloc known as ECOWAS has taken a tough stance on Niger following a series of coups in the region.
They have even threatened to use force to restore civilian rule.
Additionally, the Pentagon recently announced that it’s moving some of its forces from the capital city, Niamey, to the Agadez area.
They described this move as a precautionary measure.
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