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Rabat – Military observers from eight countries gathered in Morocco’s Cap Draa near Tan-Tan to observe operational training during the 19th edition of African Lion 2023 — the largest military exercise on the African continent.
The training exercises were held as part of the annual collaboration between Morocoo’s Royal Armed Forces and the United States Armed Forces. African Lion will conclude on Friday June 16 in Tan-Tan.
The maneuvers featured heavy artillery shells, Moroccan-American armored vehicle fire, and infantry tactics aboard heavy armored personnel carriers.
One notable highlight of the training was the execution of an operation by military engineering units aimed at breaching enemy barriers.
Forces deployed military equipment to create a powerful explosion, destroying these barriers and enabling units to advance through secure corridors as part of their attack and counter-attack missions.
Moroccan Major General Mohamed Makboub oversaw the military maneuvers on-site, alongside military observers from Sierra Leone, Egypt, Liberia, Portugal, Cape Verde, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Hungary.
In a statement to Moroccan news agency Maghreb Arab Press (MAP) following the demonstration, several military observers said they were impressed by the planning and organization of the exercises. First Sergeant William Preston of the US Armed Forces commended the “flawless execution of the maneuvers.”
Geoffroy ST Gal, the US Army section chief at the US embassy in Brazil, expressed his delight at witnessing the combined exercise in Morocco for the first time. He noted that the exercise’s primary objective is to preserve peace and security on the African continent, while strengthening the partnership between Morocco and the US.
First Sergeant Gee Charto Bobby of the Armed Forces of Liberia highlighted the significance of African Lion 2023 in enhancing security in the Sahel and Sahara region.
Humanitarian Efforts: Military Field Hospitals Support Local Communities
In addition to military training, the African Lion initiative also focuses on providing crucial medical services to nearby communities through military field hospitals. A field medical-surgical hospital was deployed in the local community of Rasmouka in Tiznit Province on June 11, emphasizing the exercise’s commitment to humanitarian efforts.
Spanning seven regions of Morocco, including Agadir, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, Tifnit, and Mahbes in southern Morocco, the African Lion 2023 exercise will continue until June 16.
With nearly 6,000 soldiers participating from twenty African and international countries, including Morocco and the US, as well as 27 observer countries, this annual event serves as a platform for strengthening Moroccan-American military cooperation and promoting exchanges between armed forces worldwide to enhance regional security and stability.
Morocco has been hosting the African Lion military training for the past 19 years. Through such exercises, countries have the invaluable opportunity to exchange information and expertise, fostering regional security and stability.
Read Also: Israeli Soldiers Join African Lion 2023 For First Time
