The US plans to deploy spy planes equipped with high-tech surveillance technology and open a number of intelligence air bases in the Sahara, the Washington Post reported.
Its new bases will launch spy planes disguised as private aircraft kitted-out with a range of sensors capable of recording video, tracking infrared heat trails and tapping into radio and mobile phone signals.
The Washington Post says the US Military plans to deploy over 3,000 troops across the continent even as some 100 special troops hunt Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) leader Joseph Kony in Uganda.
This is not the first time the US is making such plans. In 2007, the US has had to expand its Special Forces operations in the region to quell the Al-Qaeda linked Al Shabaab in Somalia and Nigeria’s Boko Haram.
Nigerian terrorist sect Boko Haram has had a series of violent bombings in the country while Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabab have not only tormented innocent victims in Somalia but also bombed several Kenyan public places.
Uganda’s Kony is also a threat to the economic development of the North Ugandan Region and parts of DRC.
However, the plans are already facing opposing from some state department officials questioning the necessity of a strong US presence in Africa as the terrorist groups are not directly against US security.
Top US Africa command officer Army General Carter F. Ham defended the government saying it is not seeking permanent military bases on the continent, as it was causing fears among the nations themselves.
According to carter, it is a necessary option for the US security as it has human and diplomatic agencies and citizens across the world.
“In Africa, I would say a light footprint is consistent with what we need and consistent with the defense guidance, without operating locations on the continent, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities would be curtailed, potentially endangering US security,” Carter said.
The secret intelligence bases throughout Africa are only for combating terrorism and are an addition to its number of intelligence facilities across Africa, in Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Seychelles, Burkina Faso and Mauritania.
