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Rabat – The joint military exercise between Morocco and the US, “African Lion 2019,” kicked off on March 16 in southern Morocco in the cities of Agadir, Tifnit, Tan-Tan, Tata, and Ben Guerir near Marrakech.
The exercise, which will run until April 7, marks the participation of thousands of military officers.
According to the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, the exercise will include various types of training including command post, maneuvering, peacekeeping, operations, and aerial refueling.
The African Lion exercise agenda will also include counter-terrorism trainings, land and air exercise, in addition to tactical simulation.
Morocco and the US partner in several sectors, including counter-terrorism. In several reports, the US touted Morocco’s partnership against terror threats.
In September 2018, the Country Reports on Terrorism by the US Department of State said that Morocco has a “comprehensive counterterrorism strategy that includes vigilant measures, regional and international cooperation.”
Observers and military personnel from Canada, UK, Senegal, Spain, US and Morocco will also take place in the 16th annual military meeting.
“Medical services will be provided to local populations n the region of Tata by medical teams made up of doctors and nurses of the Royal Armed Forces and the US Army,” said the statement.
The 15th Annual African Lion convenes Moroccan-US partners from 15 countries representing Africa, North America, and Europe.
“African Lion is a clear demonstration of the strong bond between our militaries,” said Lt. Col. Winston Tierney, who served as the lead planner for the 2018 exercise.
“This robust, reliable relationship is the cornerstone to shaping the security environment in the region,” he added.
