Siddiqis in the Horn of Africa Siddiqis in the Horn of Africa Siddiqi () is a Muslim family name, found in the Horn of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Sheikh is an additional title used occasionally by Siddiqis to signify noble Arab heritage. According to tradition, people having surname "Siddiqi" are offspring of Abu Bakr Siddique (), the first Khalifa (Caliph) and an early companion and friend of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad. People claiming Siddiqi descent can be found in Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia and Ethiopia. However, representatives in these countries are not referred to as Siddiqi, but are instead known by various local names.
Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, North Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. On 21 January 2006, , an "Arleigh Burke"-class destroyer, captured a vessel operating off the Somali coast whose crew were suspected of piracy. On 18 March 2006, , a "Ticonderoga"-class cruiser and , an "Arleigh Burke"-class destroyer, engaged pirate vessels after receiving fire from them. On 3 June 2007, , a landing ship dock, engaged pirates attacking a freighter, but failed to repel them. On 28 October 2007, the destroyer , opened fire on pirates who had captured a freighter and with other vessels