Algeria approves first foreign troop deployment in 50 years, to Niger

Algeria's parliament has approved sending troops to neighbouring Niger, a major break from its long non-interventionist doctrine and its first foreign deployment in 50 years. Troop numbers and timing are undisclosed. The force is reportedly meant to protect oil installations of state energy firm Sonatrach, after Algiers sent Su-30 jets to Niamey nearly two months ago.