U.S. Withdraws Another 200 Troops from Nigeria After Destroying “Islamic State” Strongholds

The United States has started withdrawing approximately 200 service members from combat units stationed in Nigeria.

The New York Times reported on this latest reduction in the U.S. military contingent, citing official sources within the U.S. Department of Defense.

This decision marks the second troop withdrawal in the last two months following a large-scale deployment of forces in this Central African country.

The U.S. presence in the region increased significantly late last winter, when the U.S. deployed more than a hundred troops for training missions.

Subsequently, the Pentagon deployed full-fledged combat units to directly participate in eliminating strongholds of the “Islamic State” terrorist group.

A key element of the operation was the participation of operators from U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6, who conducted combat operations in the Lake Chad region.

A series of joint attacks in May resulted in the elimination of Abu Bilal al-Minouki, who was considered the second most influential leader of the “Islamic State” in the region.

In addition to the special operations forces, soldiers from the 503rd Parachute Regiment of the U.S. Army’s 173rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team were deployed to the mission.

U.S. paratroopers trained Nigerian ground forces in the country’s northeast in several key areas of modern combat.

The training programs covered small-unit tactics, providing first aid in combat conditions, neutralizing explosive devices, and using unmanned aerial vehicles.

Despite the reduction in the size of the combat component, a portion of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) contingent remains in the country.

U.S. service members remaining in Nigeria will focus on continuing training programs for local security forces and sharing intelligence.