Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker denied reports on the establishment of an American base in Morocco, Algerian newspaper Echorouk reported. What was published by Moroccan and Algerian media on a possible transfer of the headquarters of Africom from Germany to the Sahara is «unfounded», he said during a press briefing held in Algeria. Schenker's statement comes after Head of government Saadeddine El Othmani told Saudi channel Asharq News on December 18 that «the US recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara will include the territory in the military program agreement between Rabat and Washington, but at the moment there is no discussion on a US military base». The Trump administration recognition of the kingdom's sovereignty over the Sahara has brought speculation on the creation of a military base. Following the creation of Africom, in 2007 under the presidency of Georges W. Bush, Morocco was among the countries approached by the Pentagon to host the United States command for Africa in Tan Tan.
