US considers setting up drone base in North Africa, Niger a strong possibil

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WASHINGTON — A U.S. military official says the Pentagon is considering setting up a drone base in northwest Africa to increase intelligence collection on Islamic militants in the region.

The official says the U.S. signed an agreement Monday that would set the rules for greater American military presence in the nation of Niger, which would be the most likely location for any new drone base. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because no final decision has been made.

Americans are already in Niger, training local forces. But a greater presence and a drone operation there would position the U.S. to provide more help to French and Malian troops fighting al-Qaida-backed fighters in neighboring Mali.

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Official: US considers setting up drone base in North Africa, Niger a strong possibility - The Washington Post

 

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(Reuters) - Niger has given permission for U.S. surveillance drones to be stationed on its territory to improve intelligence on al Qaeda-linked Islamist fighters in northern Mali and the wider Sahara, a senior government source said.
The U.S. ambassador to Niger, Bisa Williams, made the request at a meeting on Monday with President Mahamadou Issoufou, who immediately accepted it, the source said.

Niger gives green light to U.S. drone deployment