The United States' Secret War In Africa
- 7 years ago
After four soldiers were killed in Niger earlier this month, the Trump administration disclosed that nearly 1,000 troops are stationed in the country. But why?
The U.S. has close to 6,000 troops stationed in Africa. While most of the troops are sent to protect America's embassies, many are engaged in covert anti-terrorism mission. That's particularly true in countries like Somalia and Niger, where Islamist terrorist groups have been on the offensive.
The Pentagon insists its main goal is to train and equip African forces. But as Islamist militancy continues to spread through Africa, so too does the U.S. troop presence.
The U.S. has close to 6,000 troops stationed in Africa. While most of the troops are sent to protect America's embassies, many are engaged in covert anti-terrorism mission. That's particularly true in countries like Somalia and Niger, where Islamist terrorist groups have been on the offensive.
The Pentagon insists its main goal is to train and equip African forces. But as Islamist militancy continues to spread through Africa, so too does the U.S. troop presence.