Algerian troops arrive in Niger in first foreign deployment in decades
Editor:
Tuğçe Nur Kaya
The first Algerian military convoy had reached Arlit, a uranium mining town in the country's northwest, according to reports.
An Algerian army convoy has arrived in Niger in Algeria's first foreign troop deployment since it sent forces to support Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
Niger, like other countries in West Africa's Sahel region, is battling terrorists linked to Al Qaeda and Daesh.
Algeria, which shares a border with Niger, has traditionally regarded stability in the Sahel-Sahara as an important regional security priority.
Energy is an important focus for Algeria in Niger, where Algerian state-run oil and gas firm Sonatrach has investments.
One major project, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline with Niger and Nigeria, aims to deliver African gas to Europe and other international markets.
Reuters spoke to 10 people who said the first Algerian military convoy had reached Arlit, a uranium mining town in the country's northwest.
Algeria has said the decision to deploy troops was taken to protect the country's energy and economic interests, without disclosing the size of the force or the timetable for their arrival.
TRT Afrika / Reuters — TRT Afrika / Reuters
Photo: The military units will protect shared Algerian-Nigerien energy and economic interests.
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