Algeria host joint military base

  1. Posted on Wednesday 21 April 2010 - 14:00
    Sanday
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    Sanday Chongo Kabange, AfricaNews reporter in Lusaka, Zambia
    Four countries in the Sahara desert are opening a joint military headquarters in a united effort to combat terrorism and kidnapping in northwestern Africa. The Algerian Defense Ministry said the headquarters is based in Tamanrasset, 2,800 kilometers, south of the nation's capital deep in the desert.
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    The four countries directing the operation are Algeria, Mauritania, Mali and Niger, according to reports out of Algiers.

    The countries are hoping to establish a collective security response to threats from drug traffickers and al-Qaida operatives in the area.

    The opening comes a week after a security and terrorism conference among seven Saharan countries.