US-Led Flintlock 2019 Unites Moroccan, Algerian Forces in Anti-Terror Exercises

According to AFRICOM (United States Africa Command), the FAR will participate in Flintlock 2019, in military maneuvers aimed at improving the fight against terrorist groups. On the AFRICOM website it can be read: "The exercise aims to strengthen the capacity of key partner countries in the region to combat violent extremist organizations, protect their borders and ensure the security of their populations."

The military exercise, which will take place from February 18 to March 1 in Mauritania and Burkina Faso, is led by the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff and will be coordinated by AFRICOM.

In addition to Morocco, Algeria and the USA, this military training will also see the participation of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Nigeria, and Mauritania. In total, more than 2,000 soldiers from 30 Western and African countries will participate.

Note that Algerian and Moroccan soldiers have already rubbed shoulders during similar Flintlock exercises in 2014. This type of maneuver also emphasizes the need to promote regional cooperation for the common goal of stability. Indeed, AFRICOM states: "The exercise also strengthens partnerships between African and Western special operations forces and law enforcement, enhancing their ability to work together during ongoing multinational operations."