The United States says it will conduct its surveillance and intelligence operations against the terrorist group, Boko Haram from Nigeria.
The operations which will be carried out as part of the recently announced deployment of up to 300 US military personnel to neighbouring Cameroon, will see US military operations against in Nigeria for the first time but will not include boots on the ground or offensive combat.
In a letter to Congress on Wednesday, President Barack Obama said 90 military personnel began deploying to Cameroon on Monday ahead of the arrival of additional troops “to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in the region”.
“The total number of US military personnel to be deployed to Cameroon is anticipated to be up to approximately 300,” Obama said.
“These forces are equipped with weapons for the purpose of providing their own force protection and security, and they will remain in Cameroon until their support is no longer needed.”
The US moves come as the insurgents steadily expand operations beyond its traditional base in northern Nigeria, conducting attacks in neighbouring countries such as Chad, Cameroon.
An increase in violence is expected in the coming weeks with the end of the rainy season and amid growing resistance to a nascent multi-national joint task force.
According to Pentagon officials, the US Department of Defence also has approximately 250 personnel in Niger and 85 in Chad conducting training and surveyance missions.