The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), in cooperation with US Armed Forces, launched the 20th session of the “African Lion” exercise that will continue until May 31.
The opening ceremony was held on Monday at the headquarters of the South Zone Headquarters in Agadir, according to the Maghreb Arab Press (MAP).
At the ceremony, co-chaired by Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the South Zone, and Major General Todd R. Wasmund, Commanding General of the US Army-Africa Task Force South, the scenario for the 20th Command Post Simulation Exercise and related activities were presented.
Around 7,000 elements of Armed Forces from some 20 countries, plus the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), are taking part in these large-scale military maneuvers alongside the FAR and the US Armed Forces.
Speaking on the occasion, Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the South Zone stressed that the African Lion 2024 exercise marks twenty years of fruitful cooperation, distinguished partnership, and permanent commitment to the values of peace and security, hailing in this respect the spirit of mutual trust and the common desire of Morocco and the United States of America to diversify and develop these military maneuvers.
For his part, Major General Todd R. Wasmund, Commanding General of the US Army-Africa Task Force South stated that Morocco will always remain the home of the African Lion exercise, expressing his thanks to the FAR for their unwavering commitment to this 20-year partnership, middle east online (meo) reported.
Scheduled to take place in Benguerir, Agadir, Tan-Tan, Akka and Tifnit, the African Lion 2024 exercise comprises a number of activities, including combined day and night tactical, land, sea and air exercises, a special forces exercise, airborne operations, and an operational planning exercise for Task Force staff.
This 20th edition also includes training in the fight against weapons of mass destruction and a range of medical, surgical and social services provided for the population of the Akka region by a military field hospital.
The African Lion 2024 exercise, the largest of its kind in Africa, contributes to the strengthening of operational, technical and procedural interoperability between the participating armies, and remains a key event for military leaders to exchange procedures and experiences, particularly in terms of combined joint training.
This 20th edition bears witness to the enduring nature of the cooperation between the FAR and the US Armed Forces, reflecting the strong historical ties that bind the two countries.
This year’s exercise is taking place April 19 through May 31 and is hosted across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia. (Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR); Maghreb Arab Press (MAP); middle east online (meo); Photo © FAR)
