The US has recognised the increased threat its allies and interests in theregion face following Boko Haram's absorption into Islamic State. The jihadist group has shown itself resilient in the face of military operations by the combined armies of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.
Little has been seen or heard of the African Union-backed Multinational Joint Task Force mandated to spearhead the counter-insurgency mission.
Hence support from the US - and France - is crucial at this time.
Last year, US surveillance planes and personnel were deployed in north-
east Nigeria after the kidnap of more than 200 schoolgirls who are still
missing.
This time, away from the global scrutiny the Chibok abductions
brought, other US soldiers are deployed elsewhere in the region with
similar roles. It's still early days but this deployment could revamp the gathering of
intelligence, and maybe prove a game changer in finding the core Boko
Haram leaders who are keeping the jihadist campaign active.
Boko Haram at a glance:
Founded in 2002, initially focused on opposing Western-style education
- Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language
- Launched military operations in 2009 Joined Islamic State, now calls itself "West African province"
- Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria, abducted hundreds, including at least 200 schoolgirls
- Seized large area in north-east, where it declared caliphate
- Regional force has retaken most territory this year
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