Algeria gives Niger four military helicopters

Niger's military has received four military helicopters and other equipment donated by Algeria, airport and security sources told AFP on Tuesday.

An airport source said the shipment arrived in Niamey on Sunday and included four attack and transport helicopters, spare parts, maintenance equipment and ammunition.

A security source said Niger's air force chief of staff, General Salifou Mainassara, formally received the donation on Monday at a ceremony attended by Algerian military officials.

The delivery comes as Algeria and Niger seek closer security ties after months of strained relations. The neighbours, which share a 960-kilometre desert border, agreed in March to deepen cooperation against jihadist violence, cross-border crime and trafficking.

Relations had been strained after Algeria downed a drone from Mali last April, prompting Niger to join junta-led allies Mali and Burkina Faso in recalling its ambassador from Algiers. Niger's military ruler General Abdourahamane Tiani and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune met in February to relaunch ties.

Niger faces persistent attacks by jihadist groups, including in areas near its border with Algeria.