The United States will deploy 200 troops to Nigeria to train and provide technical support to Nigerian forces combating Islamist militant groups. U.S. officials say the contingent will supplement a small team already in country, help coordinate joint air and ground operations, share intelligence and advise on targeting, but will not engage in direct combat. Nigeria requested the assistance amid escalating attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State-affiliated fighters. The deployment follows U.S. strikes and increased military cooperation, and officials framed the move as capacity-building to strengthen Nigerian counterinsurgency efforts and accelerate arms deliveries and operational coordination with regional partners. (investing.com)