MANAMA: Commodore Asim Sohail Malik, commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, conducted a series of high-level meetings in Kenya. These engagements focused on enhancing regional maritime cooperation, advancing security initiatives, and fostering the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) partnership with Kenya to counter maritime threats in the region.
During the visit, Commodore Malik met with prominent military and civilian officials to discuss critical aspects of regional maritime security. In discussion with Toral Vadgama, Deputy Head of the Global Maritime Crime Programme at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, both sides emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating drug trafficking and called for joint initiatives to enhance awareness and strengthen CMF-UNODC cooperation. Ms. Vadgama also commended recent drug interdictions of Pakistan led CTF 150. She also highlighted that legal finish by Pakistan law enforcement agencies has been pivotal in deterring drug smuggling ventures in the North Arabian Sea.
Commodore Malik also held talks with Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, deputy commander of the Kenya Navy, and Richard Ngeno, chief of staff of the Kenya Coast Guard. Discussions centered on improving operational coordination, enhancing information sharing and identifying opportunities for Kenya’s increased participation in CMF operations. Participation of Kenya Navy Ship SHUJAA in the CTF 150 focused operation HIMALAYAN SPIRIT, conducted in September 2024 viewed as a remarkable success and both sides agreed to collaborate on such opportunities in future as well.
Commodore Malik also met with Julius Koech, Director General of the Kenya Maritime Authority, followed by a tour of Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC) where Assistant Director John Omondi briefed him on the center’s operations and its role in sharing information on piracy threat within its assigned jurisdiction. The focus during the meetings remained towards enhancing operational coordination with Kenya and identifying opportunities to extend CMF support to Kenya Navy and maritime law enforcement agencies for capacity building.
Kenya, a CMF member since Nov. 2023, plays a pivotal role in maintaining maritime security in Southern Somali Basin and the Western Indian Ocean. The visit highlights Kenya’s strategic importance in regional maritime security and reaffirms CTF 150’s dedication to foster regional partnerships and advancing shared goals in the region.
