U.S. invests $50 million in Niger drone baseSeptember 30, 2016 - 11:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States is investing in a military air base capable of deploying drones in Niger's central city of Agadez, the Pentagon confirmed, according to AFP. The United States already has a military presence in the country's southwestern capital of Niamey, where it stations MQ-9 Reaper drones and supports France's anti-jihadist Barkhane force, among others. The U.S. "has negotiated an agreement with the government of Niger to allow for the construction of a new runway and all associated pavements, facilities and infrastructure" at the base in Agadez, Pentagon spokeswoman Michelle Baldanza said. The Agadez site will remain Niger's and is not slated to become a U.S. post like Djibouti, home to the only permanent U.S. base on the African continent, she said. Baldanza estimated the U.S. investment will cost $50 million, though The Intercept, which first reported the story, said it is slated to cost $100 million. According to the investigative news site, which obtained formerly confidential military documents, Niger is the only country in the region willing to allow a U.S. base for MQ-9 Reapers, and has positioned itself to be a key hub for U.S. military operations in the region. "There's a trend toward greater engagement and a more permanent presence in West Africa -- the Maghreb and the Sahel," Adam Moore of the University of California Los Angeles told the site. Investment in Agadez "suggests that Niger is becoming, after Djibouti, the second most important country for U.S. military counterterrorism operations on the continent," he added. Photo: AFP Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |