The Gaetz Report reveals the risk to U.S. troops in Niger

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., revealed a report on Thursday alleging that the State Department is hiding crucial intelligence that puts American troops in Niger at risk, as reported by the Daily Caller.

Entitled “Unwelcome in Niger: An Interim Report by Congressman Matt Gaetz on the American Troop Crisis in Niger,” the investigation includes testimonies from multiple service members, including senior enlisted personnel, who claim they have been abandoned without adequate support.

Gaetz stated in the report that there have been challenges in executing troop rotations and supplying essentials since the change in Niger’s government in mid-2023, accusing the Biden administration of suppressing intelligence reports to avoid embarrassment.

Amidst tensions, Niger’s junta spokesperson Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane announced the 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 indicated quiet negotiations between the U.S. and Nigerien authorities to maintain troop presence.

Gaetz’s report accuses U.S. Embassy officials of concealing 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 about dwindling medical and hygiene supplies, with one noting a shortage of malaria medication and other drugs. Gaetz mentioned sending inquiries to various government bodies and foreign embassies for clarification on the situation.

“Our troops are currently in a precarious situation due to political indecision at the top of the Department of State and Department of Defense. With a military junta in power — who resent our presence and see us as unserious and predatory — the situation seems to be laying the groundwork for a potential diplomatic disaster similar to the 2012 Benghazi attack,” Gaetz stated.

Niger typically hosts around 1,000 U.S. troops and operates a $110 million airbase used for drone operations against Islamist militant groups in the region, according to the Washington Post.