Gottheimer visits U.S. troops in Djibouti, highlights Red Sea security and threats from Houthis, China
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., recently returned from a congressional delegation trip to Djibouti, where he met with American military personnel, including service members from New Jersey, and received briefings on counterterrorism operations, Red Sea security and China’s growing presence in Africa.
Gottheimer, who represents New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District and serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, visited Camp Lemonnier, the largest U.S. military base in Africa. During the trip, he met with the U.S. ambassador, military leaders and service members stationed at the installation to discuss American national security priorities in the region.
The visit focused in part on the threat posed by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, whose attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea have raised concerns about maritime security and international trade.
“Our service members in Djibouti are on the front lines, keeping terrorists from threatening the American homeland and our allies,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I was proud to meet with the men and women who serve there, including those from New Jersey, and to thank them for their extraordinary sacrifice for our country. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have attacked commercial ships and threatened global trade, and we must keep the pressure on them. America’s presence in this region is essential to fighting terrorists, safeguarding trade routes, and keeping America safe.”
Camp Lemonnier serves as the headquarters of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, a component of U.S. Africa Command. Established in 2002 following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the task force works with regional partners to strengthen security capabilities, promote stability, prevent conflict and protect American interests throughout East Africa.
Djibouti occupies a strategically important location near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden that serves as a major passage for international commercial shipping.
According to Gottheimer’s office, the congressman emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of navigation through the region as Houthi attacks threaten commercial vessels and disrupt global shipping routes. He also highlighted the potential effects of shipping disruptions on supply chains and consumer prices, including for families in New Jersey.
During the visit, Gottheimer received additional briefings on counterterrorism operations across East Africa and the role of American forces in supporting regional security efforts.
The congressman also raised concerns about China’s expanding military and economic presence in Africa, particularly in Djibouti, where China operates an overseas military base.
Gottheimer emphasized the importance of continued U.S. engagement in the region and said the United States must provide an alternative to what he characterized as coercive Chinese influence.
The trip underscored the strategic importance of Djibouti to U.S. military operations, maritime security and counterterrorism efforts in East Africa and the Red Sea region.
