First broadcast August 2005
In the last few years, the Sahara desert has become a focus of interest for the US military - vast and thinly populated with porous borders - it is seen by Washington as a perfect hideout for terrorists.
The BBC's Catherine Fellows sets out to separate fact from fiction in this two part series and asks how do people living there feel about their home being labelled a terror zone?
Part 1: Flintlock 2005
The US military has just concluded a major training operation in the Sahel region - Flintlock 2005 - which it describes as its biggest exercise in Africa since the Second World War.
But what is the justification for such a presence in the region? The two main examples of so-called terror in the Sahara are the kidnapping of thirty two European tourists in 2003, and an attack on a Mauritanian army outpost this June.
 |
PICTURE GALLERY
|
But were these really terrorist attacks? An Islamist Group, the GSPC, or Salafi Group for Preaching and Combat, has claimed responsibility, but many theories abound as to the true nature of these incidents.
Secrets in the Sand travels to Senegal, Mauritania and Mali to investigate the claims and counter-claims.
The programme is produced and presented by Catherine Fellows, with assistance from Mike McGovern of the International Crisis Group.
Terms of Use
The BBC Podcasts are for your personal non-commercial use only.
All title, ownership rights and intellectual property rights in and to the BBC Podcasts shall remain the property of the BBC or third parties.
You may not edit, alter, adapt or add to the BBC Podcast in any way.
The BBC Podcasts are made available by the BBC on an "as is" and "as available" basis and the BBC gives no warranty of any kind in relation to the BBC Podcast.
To the maximum extent permitted by law the BBC will not be liable for any loss or damage which you may suffer as a result of or connected to the download or use of the BBC Podcasts
See the full BBC Podcast: Standard Licence Terms here.