Instant Alert: The US is sending troops into Cameroon to help combat Boko Haram

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   The US is sending troops into Cameroon to help combat Boko Haram by Jeremy Dreyfuss and Allan Smith on Oct 15, 2015, 10:50 AM The US is sending 300 troops into Cameroon to help combat Boko Haram, the violent extremist group known for having kidnapped 276 female students in Nigeria last year. The group has used mass violence across West Africa, and is most recently responsible for multiple suicide bombings in Cameroon in the past month alone. Cameroon's government has asked the US for help, which prompted the decision to send troops. "This deployment will be part of an effort to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations in the region," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said. "The troops will be armed, but just for self-defense — they will not be engaging in combat." According to Obama, the troops will remain in Cameroon until no longer needed there. Story by Allan Smith and editing by Jeremy Dreyfuss INSIDER is on Facebook  Follow us here   Share the latest business news with your network: Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011