Ahmad 
The US Army is preparing to end its presence at a major air base in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, by next Sunday.
This step comes in response to the demands of the ruling military junta in Niger, which last April told the United States to withdraw about a thousand soldiers.
Major General Kenneth Eckman of the US Air Force confirmed during a video conference that the US forces will hold a joint ceremony to hand over the base to the Nigerian government, which represents the closing of a long chapter of military cooperation in this vital region.
Simultaneously with the withdrawal, reports emerged that Russian forces began arriving in Niger, indicating a possible shift in security alliances in the region.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed his confidence that American forces do not face direct threats from the Russian presence in Niamey, stressing that security measures will continue to ensure the safety of American soldiers until the withdrawal is complete.
Air Base 101, which was used by the US Army, is located about 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) northwest of downtown Niamey and has an area of about 3 square kilometers (1.2 square miles). Facilities at Air Base 101 include a 3,500-meter (11,500 ft) runway. A passenger station building, warehouses and barracks.
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