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    December 13, 2011

US Defense Chief: Djibouti a Key Ally

   VOA News
   U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta addressing troops, Camp
   Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec., 13, 2011.
   Photo: AP
   U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta addressing troops, Camp
   Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec. 13, 2011.

   U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta says countries like Djibouti are
   key to counterterrorism efforts, as the U.S. shifts its focus to
   al-Qaida affiliates in Somalia and Yemen.
   Panetta made a brief visit Tuesday to Djibouti, where he met with
   President Ismail Omar Guelleh and thanked him for his support and
   partnership.
   The defense chief said the U.S. will continue to go after
   al-Qaida-linked militants, including the Somalia-based al-Shabab and
   al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.
   Panetta also visited with U.S. troops in Djibouti, where about 3,000
   American service members are stationed.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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