Largest unit exercises Special Operations Command of the U.S. Africa Command kicked off with an opening ceremony in Cote d'Ivoire, the Pentagon said.
Exercise Flintlock 24, which runs through May 24, will involve Special Operations Command Africa (SocAfrica) forces in partnership with almost 30 countries.
Approximately 1,300 troops will be involved in the maneuvers, which will take place in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.
"Flintlock – this… U.S. Africa Command's largest annual Special Operations Forces exercise, which aims to strengthen the interoperability of partner joint forces in Africa along with NATO's international Special Operations Forces"– said Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder.
"The partnerships we are establishing here will enable us to counter threats on the continent. It's a collective effort– said SocAfrica Commander, US Navy Rear Admiral Ronald Foy. – This is the value of these teachings. In the future we will expand these relations.”.
Prepared by: Sergey Daga