Morocco, USA African Lion Exercise Commences Monday

The 19th “African Lion” Exercise, co-organized by the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and the US Armed Forces, kicked off Monday and will run till June 16, according to a statement by FAR General Staff.
The opening ceremony was held on Monday at FAR Southern Zone Headquarters in Agadir to announce the official launch of this multinational joint exercise in the presence of representatives of the participating countries.
During the ceremony, the theme of the exercise and the various drills planned for this edition were presented.
The activities include the operational planning exercise for “Task Force” General Staff, tactical manoeuvers involving land, sea, air, and combined exercises, combined drills for special forces, airborne operations, the deployment of a military field hospital to provide medical care for locals, as well as anti-weapons of mass destruction exercises.
The manoeuvers are scheduled to take place in Agadir, Tan-Tan, Mehbes, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit.
The “African Lion 2023” exercise is an annual event that contributes to consolidating Moroccan-American military cooperation, as well as strengthening ties between the armed forces of different countries to promote security and stability in the region.
Nearly 6,000 soldiers from twenty African and international countries, including Morocco and the USA, and 27 observer countries, will take part in the exercise.
The two parties already agreed on the modalities of the joint musical show by the FAR and the 23rd Utah State Army Band.
Morocco has served as the host country for the annual joint exercise “the African Lion Exercise” for 18 years.