`` Djibouti is a long way from Bamako , and there 's certainly a growing need for intelligence-gathering , '' the official said . Niger says it 's willing to let U.S. drones operate from its territory . Niger is near Mali , where French troops joined the fight against Islamic State . U.S. intelligence says intelligence - gathering in that part of Africa is a challenge .
Niger says it 's willing to let U.S. drones operate from its territory . Niger is near Mali , where French troops joined the fight against Islamic State . U.S. intelligence says intelligence - gathering in that part of Africa is a challenge .