Obama Deploys Drones, US Military Personnel To Niger -- NBC
President Barack Obama has deployed American military personnel and drone aircraft to the African country of Niger, where they could be used to support a French counterterrorism mission in neighboring Mali.
Defense Department officials told NBC News that a first wave will include two Raptor surveillance drones and 250 to 300 military personnel, including remote pilots and security and maintenance crews. They are expected to arrive soon.
The officials stressed that the drones are meant for surveillance only. The White House has faced criticism for a legal memo concluding that the U.S. government can use drones to kill American citizens overseas in certain cases.
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More News On U.S. Soldiers being Sent To Niger
U.S. troops arrive in Niger to set up drone base -- Washington Post
Obama tells Congress U.S. military personnel arrive in Niger -- Reuters
U.S. Sends Limited Troops To Niger; Will Assist In Intelligence-Gathering -- NPR
Obama says 100 US military personnel deployed to African nation of Niger -- Washington Post/AP
Obama orders more U.S. forces to Niger -- Washington Times
100 US Troops Are Setting Up Near Mali To Support French Fighters -- Business Insider
Mali conflict: US deploys 100 troops to neighbour Niger -- BBC
US deploys troops to Niger -- RT
My Comment: No public debate. No discussion. U.S. forces are now being sent to Niger to monitor .... and I am willing to wager .... launch drone strikes and (maybe) ground operations and islamic radicals in the region.