Officials have said that the value and effectiveness of a U. S. Navy-led task force fighting extremism and terrorism in Africa has come under fire in a government report.

The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported on Monday that the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, issued the report on the purpose, function and accomplishments of the Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa.

The newspaper further said that the task force, created in 2002, attempts an indirect approach to combating terrorism by helping regional stability and building goodwill with projects such as building schools and organizing medical clinics in seven East African Muslim countries.

It has been also reported that the GAO report criticizes the task force for not adequately following up on civic projects to confirm if they achieve long-term gains. It also cited "cultural missteps" when personnel didn't understand religious customs, for example handing out donated clothing during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which offended many in Djibouti.

The report further said, "While some of (the task force's) activities may promote temporary benefits for the participants, their short-term nature or unintended long-term effects could potentially promote unfavorable views of the U. S. military among partner nations."

Cultural sensitivity is critical to accomplishing the task force's mission, admitted Army Col. David Paschal, operations group chief at Joint Forces Command's training directorate.

He also said, "There's a long way to go. I think we recognize that." (With Inputs from Agencies)