US EditionUS drones deployed to Nigeria alongside troops for intelligence, training
The U.S. deployed about 200 troops and MQ-9 drones for intelligence and training only, supporting Nigeria's fight against Islamist militants without direct combat, officials said.
- On Monday, the United States military deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones alongside 200 U.S. troops to Nigeria to provide intelligence support and training.
- Nigeria is confronting a complex northern insurgency involving Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, Lakurawa and bandit groups; earlier this month, three suicide bombings killed at least 23 in Maiduguri, Borno state.
- Based at Bauchi Airfield, the U.S. presence includes MQ-9 Reaper drones that operate above 40,000 feet and loiter for more than 30 hours; AFRICOM says they will be used only for intelligence and training.
- Part of a new security partnership agreed after President Donald Trump alleged Christians were targeted, the deployment follows the shutdown of a U.S. drone base in neighboring Niger by the ruling military junta.
- Uncertainty remains over the exact number of MQ-9 Reaper drones deployed, even as the U.S. launched strikes against IS forces on Dec. 26; 200 U.S. troops arrived last month.
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51 Articles
(Johannesburg=Yonhap News) Correspondent Na Hak-jin = The U.S. military deployed MQ-9 Reaper multi-purpose drones to the local... to support counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria, West Africa.
Associated Press News
US sends drones to Nigeria to join troops sent for intelligence and training
The United States is deploying MQ-9 Reaper drones after about 200 troops arrived last month to support Nigeria as it faces a growing security crisis.
U.S. military instructors deployed in Nigeria, operating from an air base in Bauchi State, use powerful MQ-9 "Reaper" drones for reconnaissance and intelligence purposes.
Nigeria: U.S. Drones Deployed to Nigeria Alongside Troops for Intelligence and Training
The US military has multiple MQ-9 drones operating in Nigeria alongside 200 troops - in a non-combat role providing training and intelligence support to the military in its fight against Islamist militants across the north, US and Nigerian officials have confirmed.
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