29 January

The United States and nine African nations have begun joint military exercises in East Africa to fight growing terrorism by Islamic extremists.

The two-week exercises began on Monday in the eastern African nation of Djibouti. Forces from Somalia, Kenya and 7 other African countries are taking part.

The drills come after 21 people were killed in an attack by an armed group earlier this month in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

At a ceremony marking the start of the US-led exercises, a US Africa Command officer emphasized the importance of containing the movement of terrorists and weapons at sea.

A senior Somali government official noted that urgent action needs to be taken against the Islamic State militants, who are moving from the Middle East into Africa.

Djibouti is an important location for sea lanes and hosts the only US military base in the African continent.

China began building its first overseas base in Djibouti in 2017.

The joint exercises are apparently designed to impress China with the US military presence in the region.

NHK