A significant military operation by the United States of America is reportedly underway in the Niger Republic.

Several personnel and pieces of equipment are reportedly being relocated inside of Niger by the US Department of Defense’s Headquarters.

Additionally, the US will leave behind a small contingent of non-essential people “out of an abundance of caution.”

 

This is the first major military movement since a coup in July.

U.S. officials said yesterday that “This consolidation represents prudent military planning to safeguard U.S. assets while continuing to address the threat of violent extremism in the region,” according to Reuters.

“This does not change our overall force posture in Niger, and we continue to review all options as we assess a way forward.

“The movement of U.S. assets has been coordinated with and approved by the appropriate authorities,” the report added.