Algeria approves troop deployment to Niger: what is their mission?

Algeria has approved sending troops to neighbouring Niger to "protect energy installations", in particular oil projects operated by the state-owned company Sonatrach, marking what will be the country's first foreign deployment of military forces since the 1970s. The rare measure comes as both countries strengthen security ties months after a thwarted mutiny in Niger, which has seen Algeria gift four military helicopters to Niamey. The move was approved in a closed extraordinary session of the parliament on Sunday, where 148 of the 174 lawmakers were present in the upper house and voted in favour of the deployment.