President Trump has quietly sent 80 military personnel to the West African nation of Gabon – two weeks after he caused an international uproar by declaring his intention to pull US troops out of Syria and Afghanistan.

Forces arrived there Wednesday to be close to neighboring Congo, where American diplomats and visitors could be at risk if violent demonstrations break out over last week’s presidential election.

Trump informed congressional leaders of the deployment Friday in a letter noting that the combat troops would be backed by air support and would remain indefinitely, until “their presence is no longer needed.”

Congo’s Dec. 30 election, which could push the party of longtime president Joseph Kabila out of power, gave rise to numerous allegations of fraud and rumors of a popular uprising if the results appear to be tainted. The final tally is expected to be announced Sunday.

With Post Wire Services