WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Department of Defense announced Thursday the realignment of Counter-Violent Extremist Organization (C-VEO) personnel operating in U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
A Pentagon statement said that the realignment projects a reduction of less than 10 percent of the 7,200 military forces serving in Africa Command over the next several years.
The statement said the C-VEO activities in Somalia, Djibouti and Libya would remain at the current level, while in other regions, such as West Africa, the United States would shift its emphasis from tactical assistance to advising, assisting, liaising, and sharing intelligence.
The force optimization preserved the majority of U.S. security cooperation partnerships and programs in Africa to strengthen partner networks, and enhance partner capability and support ongoing programs, said the statement.
Pentagon said the realignment aimed to support priorities outlined in the National Defense Strategy.
According to its official website, AFRICOM began initial operations on Oct. 1, 2007, and officially became fully operational capable on Oct. 1, 2008. It is responsible for U.S. military relations with African nations, the African Union, and African regional security organizations.
