Are pro-Turkish Syrian mercenaries operating in Niger? Reports suggest that Syrian fighters hired by a Turkish security company, Sadat, close to President Erdogan, have been deployed to guard important installations in Niger, potentially getting involved in combat in the region. This comes at a time when French and American forces are withdrawing, opening the door to new strategic players in the Sahel region.
Negotiations between the military junta in Niger and Sadat indicate a growing Turkish influence in the Sahel, with previous instances of Syrian mercenaries supporting Turkey’s allies in conflicts in Azerbaijan and Libya. Concerns arise over the behavior and discipline of these mercenaries, as highlighted in a US Department of Defense report.
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These developments raise questions about Turkey’s military strategy in the region and potential collaborations with other actors, despite supposed rivalries. The presence of Syrian mercenaries in Niger remains unconfirmed, but if true, it could have significant implications for the security landscape in West Africa.