U.S. military building $100 million drone base in central Niger
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 September 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, U.S. military building $100 million drone base in central Niger, 30 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a03e4.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 30, 2016
Washington says the base will be used for surveillance drones to help Niger fight militant groups. (file photo)
The United States military says it is building a $100 million temporary base for surveillance drones in central Niger to help the West African country fight militant groups and protect its borders.
A spokesman for U.S. African Command confirmed on September 30 that the drone base was being built in the town of Agadez in central Niger at the request of Niger's government.
The country has been trying to halt incursions by Islamic militants from the Boko Haram extremist group, who have been crossing Niger's southern border with Nigeria.
At the same time, it has been fighting against roaming Al-Qaeda-linked groups in its vast desert spaces to the north –which border Libya, Chad, Algeria, and Mali.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
