US Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work highlighted his country's commitment to fighting terrorism throughout the Horn of Africa, the US Department of Defense posted on its website.

This came amid Work's three-day trip to the Middle East and East Africa that includes stops in Djibouti and Qatar to visit US service members during the Thanksgiving holiday and thank them for their service.

Work emphasized the importance of continued bilateral and regional cooperation with partner nations in operations to defeat al-Shabab terrorist group.

Deputy secretary visited Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti and met with military leaders, including Army Maj. Gen. Mark R. Stammer, the commander of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, Defense Department spokesperson Navy Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Hillson said in a statement.

Work’s next stop was Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, where he met with US Central Command Commander Gen. Lloyd Austin and Air Force Brig. Gen. Darren James, the commander of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Hillson said.

He visited Centcom forward headquarters and the Combined Air and Space Operations Center. Throughout his visit, Work underscored the strong partnership between the United States and Qatar in the areas of security and defense.

Sources: MENA