Families and lawmakers from Western New York are putting pressure on the defense and state departments to provide updates on the status of Niagara Falls National Guard Unit troops deployed in Niger, Africa. The six-month deployment of the troops has been extended as the United States plans to withdraw its forces from the region by September.
Members of the local Congressional delegation have expressed concerns about the difficult mission that Air National Guard soldiers from the Niagara Falls airbase are facing in Africa. The families of the troops are also worried about the extended deployment.
Last fall, the 107th Attack Wing of the Air National Guard, based in Niagara Falls, deployed to the West African Republic of Niger. The mission was expected to last for six months and aimed to support the U.S. efforts in monitoring Al Qaeda and ISIS-linked terrorist camps in northern Africa.
However, last summer, riots erupted in the capital city of Niger as military leaders seized power from the country's President. Subsequently, the military demanded that all U.S. troops leave two airbases in the country. This demand coincided with the arrival of Russian military forces.
In response to the evolving situation, the Pentagon has ordered an extension of the 107th's mission. The withdrawal program for U.S. troops is now scheduled to be completed by September 15th.
Concerned family members of the deployed troops have reached out to local news outlets and members of Congress. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who serves on the Senate's Armed Services Committee, has stated that her office is checking with the Pentagon's African Command to address the concerns raised by the families. While the African Command believes that everything is stable and well supplied, Senator Gillibrand intends to inquire further due to the families' worries.
Representative Langworthy has sent a strongly worded letter to Defense Secretary Austin and Secretary of State Blinken, highlighting the concerns of the families. The letter also references the troubled 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, where U.S. soldiers lost their lives in a suicide bombing and military equipment was left behind.
Langworthy emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and ensuring the safety and well-being of the troops. He stated, "We have requested immediate and comprehensive updates from the Administration to ensure that our troops are safe, well supplied, and informed of the situation. Our service members and their families deserve nothing less than transparency." Langworthy also expressed the goal of avoiding a repeat of the disastrous events in Afghanistan, which had severe consequences for U.S. troops and the entire region.
As the situation in Niger continues to unfold, lawmakers and family members remain committed to holding the Biden Administration accountable and ensuring the safety of the deployed troops.