By Associated Press Reporter PUBLISHED: 13:28 EST, 23 February 2013 | UPDATED: 13:35 EST, 23 February 2013 President Barack Obama said Friday that about 100 American troops have been deployed to the African nation of Niger. Two U.S. defense officials said the troops would be setting up a base for unarmed drones to conduct surveillance. Obama announced the deployment in a letter to Congress, saying that the forces 'will provide support for intelligence collection and will also facilitate intelligence sharing with French forces conducting operations in Mali, and with other partners in the region.' New mission: President Obama announced that the U.S. will build a new base for drones (pictured) in Niger, Africa, to increase surveillance in the volatile region
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100 American soldiers deployed to Niger to set up new drone operations
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Facility will aid intelligence efforts in the region and share knowledge with French troops fighting jihadists in neighboring Mali
France has said it will eventually pull out of its @placeholder operation so that African forces can help stabilize the West African country.
France has said it will eventually pull out of its Mali operation so that African forces can help stabilize the @placeholder country.