The United States has closed its last military base in South America, but its army will not be gone for long. The US troops leave the Manta Air Force base in Ecuador. Many South American leaders say they are uncomfortable with any US military presence in the region.<br/><br/>The US signed its 10-year lease with the Ecuadorean government for the Air Force base in 1999, but was told last year it would not be renewed.<br/><br/>The Ecuadorian government has been quick to celebrate the departure, with foreign minister Fander Falconi proclaiming it a victory for the sovereignty of Ecuador.