The US is sending 300 troops into Cameroon to help combat Boko Haram, the violent extremist group known for having kidnapped 276 female students in Nigeria last year.
The group has used mass violence across West Africa, and is responsible for multiple suicide bombings in Cameroon in the past month alone.
Cameroon's government has asked the US for help, which prompted the decision to send troops.
"This deployment will be part of an effort to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in the region," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said. "The troops will be armed, but just for self-defense — they will not be engaging in combat."
According to Obama, the troops will remain in Cameroon until no longer needed there.
Story by Allan Smith and editing by Jeremy Dreyfuss
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