The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) has begun a three-month training exercise with the Ethiopian defense forces at their Hurso training camp near Dire Dawa. The Ethiopians are standing up the first of three new anti-terrorism battalions from within their 12th Infantry Division. The US forces will conduct three, four-week long training packages with Ethiopian troops, training one company from the new Anti-terrorism Battalion during each 30-day session.

Elements of the US 10th Mountain Division are providing infantry skills training on small unit tactics, vehicle and personnel checkpoint operations, convoy operations, mine detection and casualty treatment. Last month, the White House unveiled a 100-million dollar package to fight terrorism in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. - Adam Geibel