Ivory Coast has asked the United States to consider deploying U.S. surveillance aircraft to support its military operations against al Qaeda-linked jihadist groups in the Sahel region, reflecting growing security cooperation between the two countries.

In recent years, ties between Yamoussoukro and Washington have deepened in the military sphere, with the Ivorian army receiving armoured vehicles, specialised equipment and advanced training programmes aimed at boosting its operational readiness.