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Lt Ouma Laouali has become the first female pilot to serve in Niger’s Armed Forces (Fan).
The 28-year-old, who received pilot training in the US, will be flying the Cessna aircraft (pictured above), two of which were handed over by the US to Niger in a ceremony in the capital Niamey on Wednesday.
The aircraft and training were part of a security co-operation deal worth $24m (£16m) between the two countries, the US ambassador said at the ceremony.
The US has one drone base in the capital, Niamey, and is reportedly building another one in the desert town of Agadez, as part of its counter-terrorism strategy in the region.
