Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., unveiled a report Thursday accusing the State Department of concealing critical intelligence that imperils American troops stationed in Niger, the Daily Caller reported.
Titled "Unwelcome in Niger: An Interim Report by Congressman Matt Gaetz on the American Troop Crisis in Niger," the investigation features testimonies from multiple service members, including senior enlisted personnel, who say they've been abandoned without adequate support.
Gaetz stated in the report that since the change in Niger's government in mid-2023, the Department of Defense has struggled to execute troop rotations or deliver essential supplies, alleging the Biden administration is suppressing intelligence reports to avoid embarrassment.
Amid tensions, Niger's junta spokesman, Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, announced a cessation of military cooperation with the U.S. in March, labeling recent U.S. flights over the region as illegal, according to The Associated Press. However, subsequent reports suggested quiet negotiations between the U.S. and Nigerien authorities to maintain troop presence.
Gaetz's report accuses U.S. Embassy officials of masking failures within the country, alleging instances of altering report content to downplay critical events and dismissing intelligence assessments from agencies like the Office of Special Investigations and Special Operation Command Africa.
Service members cited in the report expressed concerns over dwindling medical and hygiene supplies, with one noting a shortage of malaria medication and other drugs. Gaetz disclosed sending inquiries to various governmental bodies and foreign embassies for clarity on the situation.
"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 [Libya] attack," Gaetz said.
Niger regularly hosts about 1,000 U.S. troops and operates a $110 million air base used to control drone operations against Islamist militant groups in the region, according to The Washington Post.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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