Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has approved a plan to enhance Tunisia’s military.

Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama agreed to a $60 million package to support the Tunisian Army. They said the aid package would be overseen by U.S. Africa Command as part of an effort to combat Al Qaida in North Africa.

“Both Tunisia and the United States, as well many countries in the region, face a common threat from violent extremist organizations that use violence and terror to achieve their goals,” Africa Command head Gen. David Rodriguez said.

Officials said Tunis would receive U.S. systems to detect land mines and improvised explosive devices. They said Washington was also supplying body armor, helmets and shields for the Tunisian National Guard and police.

“Because Tunisia and the United States face a common enemy, we must cooperate together to confront and defeat the threat of terrorism,” Rodriguez said.

On Aug. 26, Rodriguez led an Africom delegation that met the Tunisian leadership to discuss military cooperation. Officials said the discussions included plans for U.S.-Tunisian exercises meant to focus on counter-insurgency.

Washington has also pledged to supply 12 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to the Tunisian Air Force. But officials acknowledged that the helicopters would probably not arrive in the North African state before 2016.

Officials said the United States envisioned a major role for Tunisia in stopping Al Qaida. They said Tunis could also contribute troops to stabilize neighboring Libya.

“The international community and Libya’s neighboring countries are examining several options to help that country without resorting to military intervention,” Rodriguez said. “The U.S. and other countries are involved in these extensive talks.”

  AFRICOM, Gen.David Rodriguez, U.S. pledges $60 million to aid Tunisian Army’s war on terror, UH-60M Black Hawk