U.S., Kenya troops conduct exercises in east Africa

LAMU, Kenya (CNN) -- The United States and Kenya are conducting joint military exercises in and off the coast of the east African nation -- and about 80 miles south of Somalia, considered a possible next target in the U.S. war against terrorism.

The operation, dubbed "Edged Mallet," has been in the works for 18 months and is part of a series of ongoing Kenya-U.S. military activities, according to U.S. officials.

The latest exercises have created some concern among the local population, including many Muslims, that they may be a prelude for a U.S. attack on Somalia, which has been suspected of harboring al Qaeda members.

The exercises are taking place 12 miles (20 kilometers) north of the Kenyan port city of Lamu and 80 miles (130 km) south of the east African country's border with Somalia. Troops began conducting ground and air maneuvers Sunday, and they are expected to continue for two weeks.

Three U.S. Navy vessels -- the USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault ship that resembles a small aircraft carrier, and two support ships -- are taking part in the exercises, according the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.

The ships, anchored in deep water off the Kenyan coast, carried 3,000 Marines and Navy personnel. Nearly 1,000 Marines have been deployed ashore for various bilateral training measures, the embassy said in a press release.

About 250 Kenyan soldiers, including elements of the 15th Kenyan Rifles, are participating in the exercises.

As part of the overall exercise, the U.S. Marines will build two classrooms and repair a bridge in a coastal village, and drill a public well and restore a medical clinic at another site. U.S. personnel will also give free medical services to people living near the exercise areas, according to the embassy.