Algerian parliament's upper house approves troop deployment to Niger

Algeria’s upper house unanimously approved deploying troops to neighboring Niger. The president can send units abroad if both chambers approve by a two-thirds majority. The lower house is set to vote later. If approved, it would be Algeria’s first mission abroad since 1973.

Troops are expected to secure oil facilities. The vote followed a visit by Niger’s Defense Minister Salifou Modi and a signed military cooperation protocol. Algeria said it sent fighter jets in late August to help thwart a "coup attempt"; the defence ministry said two patrols of four Sukhoi Su-30s landed with an air-to-air refuelling plane. Relations with Niger have recently improved.