Troops To Cameroon

President Obama notified Congress today that the United States plans to send 300 troops to Cameroon to help the local government combat insurgents affiliated with the extremist group Boko Haram.

On Oct. 12, the United States sent approximately 90 military personnel to Cameroon "to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in the region" in advance of additional personnel, according to an Oct. 14 letter Obama sent to Congress.

"These forces are equipped with weapons for the purpose of providing their own force protection and security, and they will remain in Cameroon until their support is no longer needed," Obama wrote. "I directed the deployment of U.S. forces in furtherance of U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, and pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive."

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters the troops will be "part of a broader regional effort to stop the spread of Boko Haram and other violent extremist organizations in West Africa."

The United States recently awarded a contract to Insitu to provide Cameroon with unmanned aerial systems.