Commander Combined Task Force 150 (CCTF 150) Rear Admiral Muhammad Moazzam Ilyas SI(M) recently visited Tanzania and Kenya with the aim of promoting regional peace and stability and to enhance the existing level of cooperation between regional nations and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
During his visit to Tanzania, CCTF 150 held meetings with Major General James Aloiz Mwakibolwa, Chief of Operations and Training, Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces (TPDF) at the TPDF Headquarters in Dar es Salam. Rear Admiral Ilyas highlighted the role of CMF and CTF 150 in countering terrorism by denying financial support to terrorist groups gained through smuggling (narcotics, weapons, illicit cargo). The opportunities for capacity building of the Tanzanian authorities by CMF in the shape of various special courses and training in the fields of counter narcotics were also discussed.
During the meeting with Mr Kenneth James Kasseke, the Commissioner of the Drug Control Commission, Rear Admiral Ilyas gave an overview about the roles and functions of CMF and CTF 150 in the region and discussed challenges being commonly faced from human, narcotics and weapon smuggling. CCTF 150 also called on Rear Admiral Laswai at the Naval Headquarters in Dar es Salaam. After a traditional warm welcome, a candid discussion on issues of mutual interest ensued. It provided grounds for a comprehensive discussion on a range of topics from counter piracy to the capacity building requirements of the Tanzanian Navy.
Rear Admiral Ilyas also visited Kenya, where he called on Brigadier C M Kahariri, the Deputy Commander of the Kenyan Navy, at the Naval Headquarters in Mombasa. During the meeting, he highlighted the CMF role in counter narcotics and piracy missions at sea. CCTF 150 also appreciated the Kenyan Navy’s efforts in countering mutual threat of maritime smuggling and piracy and their commitment in fighting terrorism in the region.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 