The ‘African Lion’ in Morocco: Training against weapons of mass destruction
The annual “African Lion” military exercise continues in a number of Moroccan cities with the participation of forces from dozens of countries, led by the US army.
The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, US Forces and participating countries began the 18th edition of “African Lion 2022”, between June 20 and July 1.
The “Simulex-22” drill is being held June 21st-23rd at the Mohammedia coastline, north of Casablanca, to “combat marine pollution”.
According to a statement from the Royal Armed Forces General Command, the exercise focuses on joint actions to combat accidental marine pollution and provide assistance to a ship in difficulty.
The drill is conducted in accordance with a scenario involving a collision between a cargo ship and an oil tanker, which leads to the release of 3,000 tons of heavy fuel oil into the sea.
Observers from the United Arab Emirates and Mauritania are participating in the Alliance, which is the appropriate framework for promoting the exchange of experiences and expertise and achieving the objectives of maritime security.
Maneuvers in “Al-Mahbes”
On the other hand, several military maneuvers, whether naval, air or ground, took place in the “Al Mahbes” region south of the Moroccan Sahara.
The Al Mahbes area is a de facto military zone less than 40 kilometers from the Tindouf camps and a few kilometers from the eastern border of Morocco.
Earlier, the armies participating in the African Lion maneuvers arrived in the region, with their military vehicles, as part of the field exercises held this year in the Moroccan Sahara.
The exercise points to the importance of the strategic partnership between Morocco, the United States and partner states, which share the same ideals of peace and security.
Joint exercises included senior command, land, naval, air and combined tactical exercises, day and night, special forces operations, airborne operations, civilian and military activities, weapons of mass destruction training and medical evacuation.
The African Lion is a joint military exercise organized by the Royal Armed Forces and the United States forces every year, with a budget of $36 million, this year bringing together 7,500.
It also includes a live-fire exercise program, military and air maneuvers, joint forced entry with paratroopers during a field exercise, as well as a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response exercise.
This year’s edition is marked by the participation of ten African and international countries, including Morocco and the United States of America, as well as some 20 military observers from partner countries in the regions of Agadir, Ben Guerir, Kenitra, Al Mahbes, Taroudant and Tan-Tan.
