US military plans drone base near Mali

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Agence France-Presse

US military plans drone base near Mali
2013-01-29 10:14

Washington - The US military plans to set up a base for drones in northwest Africa to bolster surveillance of al-Qaeda's affiliate in the region as well as allied Islamist extremists, a US official told AFP on Monday.

The base for the robotic, unmanned aircraft would likely be located in Niger, on the eastern border of Mali, where French forces are currently waging a campaign against al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (Aqim), said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The base was first reported by the New York Times earlier on Monday.

The airfield would allow for better intelligence gathering by unarmed drones on the movement of Aqim and other militants, which Washington considers a growing threat, the official said.

If the plan gets the green light, up to 300 US military service members and contractors could be sent to the base to operate the drone aircraft, according to the New York Times.


Read more: http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/US-military-plans-drone-base-near-Mali-20130128

[ancianita]

1. Not at all surprising, since we're so embedded in Africa, anyway.

[Judi Lynn]

3. People should be aware of this. Thank you. n/t

[PufPuf23]

2. Interesting and thank you.

I have been an early follower of events in Africa and AFRICOM.

Also note your excellent info offered in Latin America forum over the years.

[Fire Walk With Me]

4. All drones must be banned world-wide.

[johnfunk]

5. But... but... but... Peace through death robots from above!

It's the American way! All glory to Skynet!!