Algeria intends to send troops to Niger to protect joint energy projects and economic interests. The stated goal is to ensure the security of joint energy projects, strategic infrastructure and economic interests of both countries. The decision stems from ongoing instability in the Sahara-Sahel region, the activity of armed terrorist groups and threats to cross-border transport communications. Of particular importance for Algeria is the trans-Saharan gas pipeline project, which provides for the transport of Nigerian natural gas through Niger to Algeria with subsequent delivery to the European market. Other factors include the need to protect potential pipeline construction areas, energy facilities and personnel, as well as preventing attacks on transport routes and infiltration of armed forces across the shared border. The immediate reason for the decision was the need to protect oil projects of the government company Sontrach (Algeria), which operates in northern Niger through its subsidiary SIPEX. On October 25, both houses of the Algerian parliament approved the sending of a military unit at Niamey's request. The decision was preceded by the signing of a bilateral protocol on military cooperation. However, the number of units and the timing of their deployment are not officially disclosed.