Highlights
– US Special Forces training increases indigenous security services’ capabilities
– Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Program (TSCTP) will assist countries in combating the rising AOIM threat
– TSCTP will continue to play a significant role as the US continues to increase its focus on Africa
The United States announced on January 16, 2008 that it would deploy US Marines to train Mauritanian security forces beginning January 23, 2008. While the training had been previously scheduled, it comes just weeks after attacks by al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb (AOIM) in Mauritania in late December 2007 and recent arrests of al-Qaeda leaders in Nouakchott.
The upcoming training falls under the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Program (TSCTP), and will primarily focus on counter-insurgency tactics. The training will be provided to Mauritanian military forces, including Mauritania’s Camel Corps soldiers, who patrol the northeast desert area, which borders Algeria, Western Sahara, and Mali. Of note, AOIM’s predecessor, the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), killed 15 Mauritanian soldiers in a 2005 attack in the northeast desert, and further attacks in the region, and against Mauritania’s growing off shore oil industry, are expected in the near to mid-term.
Adding to concerns that Mauritania has become a target for Islamic extremists, Mauritanian police arrested three Islamic militants on January 19, 2008 in Nouakchott, the capital. One of those arrested was Abdallahu Ould Mohamed Sidiya, the 29th most wanted al-Qaeda figure in Saudi Arabia. A suspect in the December 2007 attack on the French tourists, Brahim Ould Hmeida, was also arrested. This is significant because a proven senior al-Qaeda leader appears to be involved in mobilizing the Mauritanian terrorists.
Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Program
The TSCTP involves Algeria, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The TSCTP combines inter-agency cooperation in order to limit the spread of extremist ideology in the trans-Saharan region. The training of security forces in counter-insurgency skills allows indigenous security forces to be able to defeat terrorists without outside assistance.
In addition to the military training, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) provides development funding. The US State Department works with local officials to increase airport security and the US Department of Treasury is also involved in the TSCTP, assisting in money-handling controls.
The training of indigenous troops to increase patrols of areas of the Sahara desert largely ignored by governments is an important objective of the TSCTP as AOIM has used the largely under patrolled and under-populated areas of the Saharan desert to establish mobile terrorist training camps.
Previous TSCTP Training
Previously under the TSCTI, US Special Forces have trained soldiers in Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, and Chad. The TSCTP soldiers in Mali and Niger have been used in battling the Tuareg rebellions. Chadian forces trained under the TSCTP have been used to fight the rebel groups operating along the Darfur border of Sudan. With AOIM remaining a threat to North African countries and Europe, the TSCTP will continue to remain an important part of the US strategy in Africa.
Border Security, Terrorism and Beyond
The TSCTP, in addition to providing counter-terrorism training, uses US Special Forces to provide training in border security. Border security is becoming an increasing concern in the countries involved in the TSCTP for a variety of reasons beyond terrorism. Among the most important issues affecting border security is the increasing drug trade. West African countries are becoming increasingly plagued by drug cartels using Africa as a trans-shipment point between South America and Europe.
Additionally, immigration has become an increasing problem, especially with many immigrants attempting to reach Europe. Border security and the drug trade also factor into counter-terrorism issues. The arrest of two AOIM militants suspected of being involved in the Mauritania attacks in Guinea Bissau has raised fears that AOIM may be involved in the drug trade for funding its terrorist activities. The ability of two terrorists to escape from Mauritania, pass through Senegal, and reach Guinea Bissau highlights the need for increased border security.
Future Outlook
As AOIM continues to expand its area of operations in North Africa while also posing a threat to Europe, the US and others will continue to provide assistance to countries through the TSCTP.
As the US African Command (AFRICOM), continues to become operational, US programs such as the TSCTP and the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), will provide the blueprint for further counter-terrorism initiatives throughout the continent.
