U.S. Counterterrorism Efforts in West Africa

The ongoing conflict in Libya has raised concerns about weapons falling into the hands of militants in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel sub-region. However, the United States is already engaged in military and political cooperation with the countries in this region, with the goal of uprooting al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). U.S. counterterrorism efforts are strongest in Mauritania, Mali and Niger. Washington also lends political and security support to other governments in the region to prevent AQIM's expansion.