U.S. and African forces have reportedly trained together at a military base in Senegal amid the fight against terrorism in the region. According to a report released on Saturday, the U.S.-led Flintlock 2020 counterterrorism exercise started with an opening ceremony earlier this week.
In this Tuesday Feb. 18, 2020, photo, Burkina Faso paratroopers commando exercise under the supervision of Dutch special forces during U.S. military-led annual counterterrorism exercise in Thies, Senegal. (AP Photo/Cheikh A.T Sy)
U.S. and African forces have reportedly trained together at a military base in Senegal amid the fight against terrorism in the region. According to a report released on Saturday, the U.S.-led Flintlock 2020 counterterrorism exercise started with an opening ceremony earlier this week.
More than 1,500 soldiers from 34 African and partner nations took part in the training, which was organized by U.S. Africa Command.
SENEGAL: #Flintlock20, AFRICOM's premier Special Operations Forces exercise, strengthens partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, protect their borders & provide security
—–#Cameroon #Morocco #BurkinaFaso
more: https://t.co/Oo1EjwV2m0 pic.twitter.com/ZUazun7f49— US AFRICOM (@USAfricaCommand) February 18, 2020
Senegal’s military officials have praised the U.S.’s effort to secure the region.
“The Americans have always accompanied us, and they are the instigators of several capacity reinforcement initiatives for African defense and security forces,” stated Colonel Magatte Ndiaye. “I am sure that this support will continue.”
In this Tuesday Feb. 18, 2020, photo, Burkina Faso paratroopers commando exercise under the supervision of Dutch special forces during U.S. military-led annual counterterrorism exercise in Thies, Senegal. (AP Photo/Cheikh A.T Sy)
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with officials in Senegal just last week to discuss the collaboration and other counterterrorism tactics.
Incredible start to a diverse trip. The Munich Security Conference provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss our #SharedSecurity with my counterparts, and my stop in #Senegal was an unforgettable start to my first official visit to West Africa. pic.twitter.com/fIeoB25C6m
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) February 18, 2020
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In this Tuesday Feb. 18, 2020, photo, Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service troops exercise under the supervision of British special forces during U.S. military-led annual counterterrorism exercise in Thies, Senegal. (AP Photo/Cheikh A.T Sy)
