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CJTF-HOA Commander and Djiboutian armed forces Commander discuss counterterrorism

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 20033242101
Story by Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald

DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti(March 24, 2003) -- A group of American and coalition military officials, including Maj. Gen. John F. Sattler, the commander of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and Maj. Gen. Fathi Ahmed Hussein, the commander of Djibouti's armed forces, gathered together March 17 to discuss ways to improve counterterrorism measures in the Horn of Africa.

In order to accomplish the CJTF-HOA mission to detect, disrupt and defeat transnational terrorist groups posing an imminent threat to coalition partners in the region, the group of military officials talked about ways to deny terrorists the capabilities to harm coalition members and assets. The task force's geographic responsibilities also include the land, airspace and coastal waters of Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea and Yemen.

Sattler said, "We want to use all of our Coalition assets to help all seven of the countries the task force is responsible for while we're in the region, but I hope to have the greatest initial impact on the Djiboutian people."

Located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, Djibouti is slightly smaller than Massachusetts. However, its position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia have made Djibouti an important stronghold despite its diminutive size.

The Port of Djibouti is one of the country's most important assets. The international commerce from the port throughout the year is the basis for much of Djibouti's economy.

If terrorists carried out an attack at the port, Djibouti's economy could suffer greatly.

To prevent an attack from occurring, Marines from the task force's small craft detachment provided port security training to members of the Djiboutian military.

During the training, the Djiboutian soldiers learned about how to properly employ small boat tactics during port security operations.

Also, if a terrorist attack or some another disaster occurs in Djibouti, the government is more prepared than in past years.

Recently, a group of government officials completed disaster management training which was provided by members of CJTF-HOA. The group learned how to make Djibouti's current disaster management plan, which was developed in 1987, more effective.

Last year's hotel bombing in Mombasa, Kenya, which killed 16 people and left many wounded, proved how vital a solid disaster management plan is.

"We're very appreciative of the help the U.S. is offering to our military," said Fathi. "But it's not just the military that needs help. The people of Djibouti need to see results, whether it be from health care, humanitarian assistance or education programs."

From providing needed medical care to building and renovating various structures throughout the local villages, the CJTF-HOA Civil Affairs section has been working everyday to ensure the Djiboutian community is feeling the positive effects of the CJTF presence.

Sattler said, "We don't have all the answers to give to the Djiboutian people, but we can work together to come up with some solutions to enhance stability in the region. I look forward to working as a team to accomplish great things."