Approximately 100 U.S. soldiers are being deployed to Nigeria as both countries enhance military cooperation to improve security in the West African nation, the Nigerian Ministry of Defense reported on Monday, according to LETA citing AFP.
These American soldiers will serve as "military instructors," however, the ministry did not specify when they arrived or when their arrival is expected.
"The Defense Headquarters wishes to announce the arrival of approximately 100 U.S. soldiers and associated equipment at Bauchi airfield," the ministry's statement said.
"The arrival was planned and pre-approved following an official request from the federal government of Nigeria to the U.S. government to support clearly defined needs for military training, technical support, and information exchange with the Nigerian Armed Forces," the statement noted.
"This U.S. personnel are technical specialists performing exclusively advisory and training functions. They are not combat forces," the Defense Headquarters stated.
Nigeria has been experiencing jihadist unrest in the northeast of the country, armed conflict between farmers and herders in the north-central regions, separatist violence in the southeast, and kidnappings for ransom in the northwest.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Christians in Nigeria are being persecuted and are victims of genocide perpetrated by terrorists.
However, the Nigerian government and most independent experts believe that the violence in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims.
On December 25, the U.S. military conducted airstrikes in Sokoto state in Nigeria. Nigerian authorities later reported that this operation was coordinated with them and targeted jihadists from the Islamic State group.
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