The US military has handed over its last air base in Niger, effectively ending an important counter-terrorism partnership in West Africa, the Department of Defence confirmed on Monday.
“The effective co-operation and communication between the US and Nigerien armed forces ensured that this turnover was finished ahead of schedule and without complications,” the Pentagon said in a joint statement with the Nigeria Ministry of National Defence.
The US had invested heavily in Niger, using it as a base to combat extremism in West Africa.
Washington spent $110 billion on Airbase 201, which served as a location for drone operations.
Relations between the US and Niger deteriorated following a coup in July last year, in which the military overthrew the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.
The US avoided describing the events in Niger as a coup until October.
The US recently withdrew the majority of the 1,000 troops that were stationed in the country and earlier this month handed over Air Base 101 in the capital Niamey to Nigerien forces.
In March, Niger ended the relationship the previous government had established with the US, which had allowed Washington to maintain a military presence in the country.
The decision followed a meeting during which senior US officials raised concerns about issues such as the expected arrival of Russian forces and reports of Iran seeking raw materials in the country.
Thousands of protesters demonstrated in Niamey in April to demand an end to the American military presence in the country
September 15 has been set as the deadline to withdraw all US military personnel from the country.
The withdrawal follows that of French troops, who left in October after a request from the junta.
Russian military trainers arrived in Niger in April.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The specs
Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
Transmission: two-speed
Power: 671hp
Torque: 849Nm
Range: 456km
Price: from Dh437,900
On sale: now
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
