Algerian Parliament Approves Deployment of Troops to Niger

Algerian lawmakers unanimously approved sending troops to Niger, marking Algeria’s first such deployment since it sent forces to support Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The troops are expected to help protect Niger from armed groups, particularly near the 960-kilometre desert border shared by the two countries. Algiers and Niamey also plan to deepen cooperation against jihadist violence, cross-border crime and trafficking. The mission is also intended to protect Algerian economic interests, including the trans-Saharan gas pipeline project to export Nigerian gas to Europe through Niger.