WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon is moving toward setting up a military base in northwest Africa from which to operate surveillance drones to collect intelligence on Islamic militants in the region, several U.S. defense officials said Tuesday.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because the plan is still in the works, said the base in Niger would position the U.S. to provide more help to French troops fighting al-Qaida-backed militants in neighboring Mali.

Washington has said it does not intend to put troops in Mali to assist in ground operations against the militants, but it has provided France with a variety of support, including aerial refueling of French fighters, transport of French troops and intelligence support.