The Algerian hostage disaster was the outcome of French anti-terror intervention in Mali which in turn developed from the messy ending of the Libyan war. By carrying out two counter terror operations – in Somali and Mali – on one day, France and the US brought together the most ...

The Kenyan army has captured Somalia’s Indian Ocean port of Kismayo, driving Al Qaeda’s Somali franchise Al Shabaab from its last stronghold in a year-long ground, sea and air operation, aided by the US, France and Israel. Kismayo is key to controlling southern Somalia. DEBKA: It was the first time Israel’s military, police, intelligence and counterterrorism forces had taken part in an anti-al Qaeda offensive outside its borders. This outstanding success should also help block Iran’s push toward the Indian Ocean and East Africa.

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga ended a visit to Israel this week with a promise from President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of help to establish a new alliance to combat the spread of fundamentalist Islam into the predominantly Christian African nations Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan. Their combined populations total 138 million. Israel agreed to supply drones, fast naval boats and electronic surveillance equipment to help Kenya "rid its territory of Islamist elements" and counter Iranian expansion.

The port of Kismayo is the key to controlling southern Somalia. Kenya's capture of both from the hands of the Islamist al Shabaab suits the plans of both Kenya's Defense minister and the ruler of southern Somali Jubaland. Members of the same clan, they signed a secret pact to ...

The extremist Somali rebel Al Shabaab exited Mogadishu to escape the famine, regroup after lost battles and asses its relations with al Qaeda. Some militia leaders urge reconciliation with Saudi Arabia; others stronger ties with al Qaeda's Yemeni leader Anwar al-Awlak. Either way, it is too soon for Mogadishu ...