Key facts
- Algerian troops arrived in Arlit, Niger, a uranium mining town.
- Niger is battling insurgents linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.
- Algeria shares a border with Niger and views Sahel stability as a security priority.
- Sonatrach, Algeria's state-run oil and gas firm, has investments in Niger.
- A Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project aims to deliver African gas to Europe.
An Algerian army convoy has arrived in Niger, marking the country's first foreign troop deployment since it sent forces to support Egypt in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The deployment is intended to protect Algeria's energy and economic interests in the Sahel region, which is grappling with jihadist insurgents linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The troops reached Arlit, a uranium mining town in northwestern Niger. Algeria's decision to deploy troops signals improved relations with Niamey following last year's coup in Niger, which Algeria initially opposed.