Nightmare in Niger — Exclusive: Biden Administration Leaves Hundreds of U.S. Troops ‘Hostage’ in Nig

[mystery-ak]

Nightmare in Niger — Exclusive: Biden Administration Leaves Hundreds of U.S. Troops ‘Hostage’ in Niger

Kristina Wong 18 Apr 2024

More than 1,000 U.S. troops are effectively being held “hostage” in Niger with medical supplies running low — stuck between the military junta-controlled government’s demands for them to leave and the Biden administration’s refusal to let them go home after the end of their deployments, according to a report prepared by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and obtained exclusively by Breitbart News.

“They are, in effect, hostages of an indecisive Commander-in-Chief,” the report says.

In addition, the report accuses Biden administration officials of trying to cover up the situation to lawmakers, as well as to troops deployed 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.

Gaetz, during a recent congressional hearing, slammed the Biden administration for trying to cover up the deteriorating situation.

https://twitter.com/RepMattGaetz/status/1780739331503567003

more
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2024/04/18/nightmare-niger-exclusive-biden-administration-leaves-hundreds-us-troops-hostage-niger/

[mountaineer]

Rep. Matt Gaetz
@RepMattGaetz
BREAKING - STATE DEPT COVERUP IN NIGER: A senior enlisted whistleblower stationed in Niger has EXPOSED a coverup by the State Department! He is sounding the alarm over the imminent danger our troops are facing as a result of the Biden administration’s suppression of intelligence.

Our troops in Niger have been pleading for help. They’ve sent intel reports stating that they rarely get safe water. There are no diplomatic overflights to receive medicine, fresh troop rotations, or even basic supplies.

The current government of Niger has called the U.S. presence in the country “illegal.” The deteriorating conditions may lead to another Benghazi-style attack.

Today I’m releasing “Unwelcome in Niger: An Interim Report by Congressman Matt Gaetz on the American Troop Crisis in Niger.” You’ll learn of the victims of this cover up: the 1,100 U.S. Troops who are currently stationed in Niger, functionally stranded by a Biden Administration which cares more about saving face than saving their lives.

CLICK TO READ FULL REPORT:  https://t.co/JeRjJOmSL2

[Cyber Liberty]

Why do we have any troops in Niger?

[DefiantMassRINO]

US Troops are in Niger to fight Islamistic extremist terrorists in the Sahel, and possibly to counter Russian/Wagner Group influence.

[libertybele]

 

[PeteS in CA]

Maybe that's 1000+ Trump votes that won't be cast?

[mountaineer]

Oilfield Rando
@Oilfield_Rando
So essentially an African sh*thole we continuously flood with cash is holding US troops for ransom. Adults! Back in charge!
5:32 PM · Apr 19, 2024

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay
By JESSICA DONATI and SAM MEDNICK
Updated 12:44 PM EDT, April 19, 2024
Associated Press

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The United States is attempting to create a new military agreement with Niger that would allow it to remain in the country, weeks after the junta said its presence was no longer justified, two Western officials told The Associated Press Friday.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said Washington was actively working on options for a revised deal aimed at retaining its foothold in the West African nation.

Niger plays a central role in the U.S. military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region, Washington is concerned about the spread of jihadist violence where local groups have pledged allegiance to al-Qaida and the Islamic State groups. Niger is home to a major U.S. airbase, in the city of Agadez, some 920 kilometers (550 miles) from the capital Niamey, using it for manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other operations. The U.S. has also invested hundreds of millions of dollars in training Niger’s military since it began operations there in 2013.

But relations have frayed between Niger and Western countries since mutinous soldiers ousted the country’s democratically elected president in July. Niger’s junta has since told French forces to leave and turned instead to Russia for security. Earlier this month, Russian military trainers arrived to reinforce the country’s air defenses and with Russian equipment to train Nigeriens to use.  ...

[Cyber Liberty]

My understanding is the Government of Niger doesn't want our people there, so why are we keeping any troops there against the will of the host country?  They should have been bugged out the instant we were asked to leave.  Otherwise, we are an occupying force.`

[Fishrrman]

Agreed, Cyber.

Get those guys outta there.

Why are we protecting Africans, when we should be protecting Americans at the Southern Border?

[mystery-ak]

US To Remove Military Personnel From Niger

The U.S. agreed Friday to withdraw its troops from Niger, The Washington Post reported.

U.S. has agreed to remove military personnel from Niger as confirmed by three U.S. officials, according to The Washington Post. This development follows a request from Niger’s government, which came after a military coup in 2023 that saw a junta come to power and declare the U.S. military presence “illegal.”

https://dailycaller.com/2024/04/19/us-remove-military-personnel-niger/

[libertybele]

US To Remove Military Personnel From Niger

The U.S. agreed Friday to withdraw its troops from Niger, The Washington Post reported.

U.S. has agreed to remove military personnel from Niger as confirmed by three U.S. officials, according to The Washington Post. This development follows a request from Niger’s government, which came after a military coup in 2023 that saw a junta come to power and declare the U.S. military presence “illegal.”

https://dailycaller.com/2024/04/19/us-remove-military-personnel-niger/

 

[PeteS in CA]

I doubt things will go well for the people of Niger.

[Hoodat]

US To Remove Military Personnel From Niger

The U.S. agreed Friday to withdraw its troops from Niger, The Washington Post reported.

Yet another foreign policy failure of the Biden regime.

[Hoodat]

I doubt things will go well for the people of Niger.

The money quote from the OP:

“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"

[Smokin Joe]

Maybe that's 1000+ Trump votes that won't be cast?

Yabbut...every relative of anyone in that mess shouldn't be voting for Biden, either.

[christian]

aNYTHING JOE DOES INCLUDING ABANDONING OUR TROOPS OR CIVILIANS HAS TO BE BETTER THAN ANYTHING TRUMP WOULD HAVE DONE.  RIGHT?
RIGHT?

[mountaineer]

Apparently, we'll be leaving behind a $100 million military base for the good folks of Niger to play with.

[Cyber Liberty]

Apparently, we'll be leaving behind a $100 million military base for the good folks of Niger to play with.

Bomb it.

[Smokin Joe]

Bomb it.

Thoroughly.

[Hoodat]

Russian military trainers arrive in Niger as African country pulls away from US

Fri 12 Apr 2024  |  16.05 EDT

Russian military trainers have arrived to reinforce Niger’s air defenses as the west African country pulls away from close cooperation with the US in counterterrorism efforts, turning instead to Moscow for help as it fights Islamist insurgents.

State television in the country broadcast footage of Russian military trainers arriving in the country aboard a plane equipped with military supplies late on Thursday. Two Russian trainers were filmed in front of the plane wearing military uniforms, caps and face coverings.

“We are here to train the Nigerien army to use the military equipment that is here,” one of the Russian trainers said in the broadcast, speaking in French. “We are here to develop military cooperation between Russia and Niger.”

The arrival of Russian forces makes it complicated for the US forces, along with diplomatic and civilian personnel, to remain in the country and throws into doubt the future of joint Niger-US counterinsurgency operations.  .  .  .

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/12/russian-military-trainers-niger

[mountaineer]

I guess that means the Russkies will be using the $100 million military base we're leaving. 

[GtHawk]

I guess that means the Russkies will be using the $100 million military base we're leaving. 

We should destroy the base, or at the least plant charges in areas where munitions would be stored, etc. so if it was ever used against Americans we could make it disappear. I am so glad we have such experts, from the top down, conducting foreign policy for America.

[mountaineer]

Rand Paul
@RandPaul
Congress never authorized sending troops to Niger. Last year, I was right to demand their withdrawal. If Niger doesn’t want us there, why waste our money and risk our troops’ lives for a hostile country? @POTUS, bring them home now!
11:50 AM · Apr 22, 2024

[christian]

Human folly, blind to election folly that powers it all!

[Cyber Liberty]

Thoroughly.

We make great pavement-penetrating ordnance that are perfect for airport runways.