U. S. Africom: Somali: U.S. forces engage insurgents; Djibouti’s rapid intervention unit gets tactical vehicles; Marines Give IED Training in Morocco….

Somali, U.S. forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of SomaliaIn coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists who engaged Somali National Army partner forces on patrol near Bacaw, Somalia, Jan. 3.

Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. conduct three airstrikes against al-Shabaab terrorists

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted three (3) airstrikes in two (2) locations targeting al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow and Caliyoow Barrow, Somalia, respectively, Dec. 29.

“Since al-Shabaab’s first external attack in 2010, the group has ruthlessly killed hundreds,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Gayler, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. “They have attacked and killed African partners, allies, and fellow Americans.  They are a global menace and their sights are set on exporting violence regionally and eventually attacking the U.S. homeland.”

Initial assessment concluded two airstrikes killed two (2) terrorists and destroyed two (2) vehicles in Qunyo Barrow; and one airstrike killed two (2) terrorists in Caliyoow Barrow.

We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes. We comply with the principles of the Law of Armed Conflict during the course of our operations to ensure the safety of civilians.

These precision airstrikes targeted al-Shabaab militants responsible for terrorist acts against innocent Somali citizens and coordinating with al-Qaeda. The U.S. and the Federal Government of Somalia will continue to increase pressure on the terrorist organization in order to deny them the ability to plot terrorist attacks.

Djibouti Dec 20, 2019

U.S. provides Djibouti’s rapid intervention unit tactical vehicles seven months early
As part of a $31 million train-and-equip partnership between the U.S. government and the Djiboutian military, a shipment of 54 new Humvees arrived in Djibouti City, Djibouti, this week.

The military vehicles were delivered to Djibouti seven months ahead of schedule to the Armed Forces of Djibouti (FAD) for use by its Rapid Intervention Battalion (RIB), an advanced infantry battalion being trained and equipped by the U.S. military.

“The U.S. offers our partners, like Djibouti, a unique partnership by investing in their security and economy for the people of Djibouti,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Steven deMilliano, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) deputy director of strategy, engagement, and programs.

The $31 million train-and-equip partnership, facilitated by U.S. Embassy Djibouti, U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Army Africa and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, reflects the strong, enduring and cooperative relationship enjoyed by the United States and the Republic of Djibouti.

“The key to maintaining a trusted partner is through transparency and reliability” said deMilliano. “We are committed to strengthening the defense capability of our Djiboutian partners while ensuring timely and desired support. This delivery, seven months ahead of schedule, demonstrates the capacity and the commitment of the U.S to its partners across the world.”

Centered around a cadre of experienced Djiboutian officers and non-commissioned officers, RIB recruits receive multidimensional skills training as the battalion evolves and grows in capability. Training provided by the U.S. includes, but is not limited to, light infantry tactics, mission planning, weapons training, first aid, land navigation, communication exercises, and additional advanced instruction.

“With the delivery of these vehicles, we will increase the capability of the RIB to conduct mounted patrols and respond quickly to any mission,” said Army Capt. Michael Simpson, the officer in charge of RIB training. “We are excited to continue building the strong partnership between Djibouti and the U.S. with this new level of operational training.”

AFRICOM’s commitment to growing the defense capabilities of its Djiboutian partners includes increasing its naval patrol capacity through logistics, maintenance and seamanship training. Djibouti also hosted two iterations of AFRICOM’s Exercise Cutlass Express in 2019, both of which improved combined maritime law enforcement capacity and promoted regional security in East Africa.

Other support arrangements include engineering and construction support to improve base facilities and local roadways.

“(We) had the opportunity to work with the RIB construction team by improving local roads after this month’s heavy rains,” said Capt. Paul Hinton, the commander of an Army engineer unit assigned to CJTF-HOA. “The road improvements were vital to the recent delivery,” Hinton said.

Strategically located in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is a key U.S. partner on security, regional stability and humanitarian efforts across the region.

The U.S. military presence in Djibouti affords our partners an implicit security guarantee, in addition to economic benefits. The U.S. military’s direct and indirect payments total over $200 million annually, equivalent to around 10 percent of Djibouti’s gross domestic product. The U.S. government is also Djibouti’s second largest employer, behind only the government of Djibouti, including its port operations.

ISR Ops Begin at Nigerien Air Base 201 in Agadez
U.S. Africa Command has an agreement with the Government of Niger for use of armed and unarmed air assets in its airspace that improve our combined ability to respond to threats and other security issues in the region.  These assets are used towards achieving the mutual goals of the United States and our West African partners.  Partnership is required to counter violent extremism in West Africa and prevent its spread.

“Flexible and diverse postures across the African continent enable us to facilitate operational needs and better support our partners in the region,” explained U.S. Air Force Gen. Jeff Harrigian, Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa. “The location in Agadez was selected in conjunction with Niger due to the geographic and strategic flexibility it offers to regional security efforts.”

The new runway at Nigerien Air Base 201 is a joint-use runway that is suitable for both U.S. and Nigerien aircraft, allowing for enhanced response to regional requirements and better protection of Niger’s borders.

6 Jan UPDATE: U.S. Statement on Manda Bay Terrorist Attack During an attack by al-Shabaab, an al-Qaida group in East Africa, earlier today, one (1) U.S. service member and two (2) Department of Defense contractors were killed at a Kenya Defense Force Military Base in Manda Bay, Kenya.