Algeria deploys troops to Niger in first foreign military deployment since 1973

The first Algerian military convoy arrived in Arlit, northwestern Niger, to secure Algeria's energy and economic interests in the Sahel.

• The arrival marks Algeria's first foreign troop deployment since it sent forces to support Egypt during the 1973 war.
• Algerian authorities said the deployment aims to protect economic and energy interests, including state-owned Sonatrach's projects and the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline.
• The Algerian parliament approved on October 25 sending an army detachment to Niger at the request of Nigerien authorities, under Article 91 of the constitution.
• The deployment follows a military cooperation protocol signed by Nigerien Defense Minister Salifou Modi and Algeria on October 21.