Training on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear warfare highlighted the military activities in Agadir, Morocco, as part of African Lion 2024, a major U.S. Africa Command exercise that also features events in Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia from April 19 to May 31.
The U.S. Army said the Morocco-hosted CBRN joint drill, which extended to explosive ordnance disposal, involved its elements from the 53rd Ordnance Company, 3rd EOD Battalion, 71st Ordnance Group and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces.
AL24, which marks the joint exercise’s 20th year, involves more than 8,100 participants from 27 allied countries and NATO representatives. Besides joint CBRN and EOD training, African Lion covers other activities to test the allies’ combined military readiness and strengthen their partnerships.
The U.S. Army announced during the opening of the Moroccan exercises that the additional events include joint training in maritime security, command post and airborne operations and humanitarian civic action. Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund, U.S. Army Southern Task Force Africa commander, citing Morocco as a “vital strategic partner” of the service branch since America’s foundation, said each African Lion exercise further strengthens the two countries’ ties.