New Weapon Fighting Terror in Horn of Africa

American forces are using an unconventional approach to fighting terrorism in the Horn of Africa, the senior enlisted adviser at U.S. Central Command said.

"The weapon systems down there are well-drilling equipment and shovels, and building schools and hospitals, and training border patrols and counterterrorism forces," Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Brownhill said. "It's an elaborate civil affairs and security effort that is all about building capacity and confidence."

Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa is a small group of servicemembers who work with governments and U.S. officials in the Horn of Africa to improve life for some of the poorest people in the world. The task force is headquartered in Djibouti and includes operations in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and Yemen.

"We're fighting a war down there and haven't fired a shot," Brownhill said. "We're taking on Al Qaeda and associated movements there, and it's the civil affairs piece that's winning it."

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