In a letter to Congress, President Obama announced today that the U.S. has deployed 80 soldiers to Chad to help search for the missing missing Nigerian schoolgirls.

"These personnel will support the operation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft for missions over northern Nigeria and the surrounding area," Obama said in the letter. "The force will remain in Chad until its support in resolving the kidnapping situation is no longer required."

NBC News reports that 40 of the troops will operate and maintain a Predator drone being used to search for the girls; the other 40 will protect the drone operators.

[Image via AP]