U.S., Niger begin negotiations to withdraw American troops: Pentagon

The United States has officially opened discussion with government of Niger on withdrawing America forces from the West African nation after maintaining a presence for more than 10 years.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed Tuesday that "discussions have begun between the United States and Niger for the orderly withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country," according to ABC News. "In the near future, the Department of Defense will provide a small delegation from the Pentagon and U.S. Africa Command to participate in those discussions."

The  news follows expressed concerns from the Department of Defense over Niger's relationships with adversarial countries such as Iran and Russia.

The timeline for U.S. withdrawal has not been finalized.

Niger experienced a military coup last year that led to the evacuation of U.S. embassy staff and the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum.