Fight against Al-Shabaab features in Duale's meeting with Defence Secretary Austin

NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenya's role in the fight against Al-Shabaab has been lauded by the US, which has rallied for 'strategic partnership' in the eradication of the militants, who control large swathes of rural central and southern regions of Somalia, a country which has struggled with instability for decades.

Lloyd Austin III, the US Secretary of Defence, insisted that the fight against Al-shabaab will stabilise the Horn of Africa, particularly the Red Sea sea region. Kenya is a major security stakeholder in Somalia, having contributed troops to African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

"The Secretary met today with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Defence Aden Duale to discuss the importance of the U.S.-Kenya strategic partnership. Secretary Austin thanked Cabinet Secretary Duale for Kenya's role and contributions in regional and global security," read a statement from Pentagon.

"Secretary Austin commented on the need to continue the fight against al-Shabab and the need for security and stability in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb. Both leaders agreed to continue working together to address shared regional challenges."

The US has invested massively in the fight against Al-shabaab, with the US Africa Command training and equipping Danab Special Forces, who are the face in the ongoing crackdown. The Danab commandos have managed to liberate strategic areas in the country.

On his part, Duale assured the US close cooperation in the eradication of violent extremist groups across the Indian Ocean belt, adding that Kenya is ready to undertake various projects that would help stabilise the region whole boosting stability.

"Our discussion also centered on regional and global security, increase our efforts on the war against Alshabab and the need for security and stability in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb," said Aden Duale, Kenya's Defence Secretary.

Al-Shabab has been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, but a concerted effort from members of the international community has managed to liberate strategic areas, while helping in state building.

GAROWE ONLINE