First Algerian Troops Arrive in Niger Where Extremists Threaten Stability
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 insurgents linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS. 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.
