Algeria approves Niger troop deployment

Algeria approved sending troops to neighbouring Niger on Sunday to protect energy facilities, according to statements from both houses of parliament.

It would be Algeria's first overseas deployment of military forces since the 1970s.

The upper house said it approved the proposal. A legislator told AFP that all 148 members in attendance voted in favour.

The lower house said it also voted “by an absolute majority” to deploy the military unit in Niger, but did not give vote numbers.