On Thursday, it was revealed that U.S. and Moroccan special forces units carried out joint military training exercises in the outskirts of Marrakech between January 28 and February 25, 2025. The training focused on advanced combat skills as part of efforts to strengthen security in Africa and combat terrorist organizations.
According to media reports, the exercise was hosted by U.S. Africa Special Operations Command (SOCAFRICA) and included participation from the U.S. Army’s 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Morocco’s 1st and 2nd Paratrooper Infantry Brigades, the Royal Moroccan Air Force's special forces unit, and elements of the Royal Gendarmerie.
The reports added that the four-week training was centered on enhancing combat proficiency and exchanging expertise in highly tactical areas, primarily aimed at boosting security readiness in North-West Africa amid rising challenges related to terrorism and organized crime.
The exercises commenced with an official opening ceremony that included a briefing on the laws of armed conflict—considered a key reference that must be upheld both in real military operations and field exercises.
Over the four weeks, participants engaged in intensive drills that included tactical combat casualty care, rappelling techniques, close-quarters battle, urban mobility training, and live-fire exercises conducted both day and night.
A U.S. team sergeant stated that the exercises "enhance the capabilities of both sides, strengthen border security, and reduce the chances of extremist groups infiltrating Morocco or beyond," highlighting the importance of ongoing cooperation in this context.
Before the training wrapped up, participants underwent a final two-day exercise simulating complex operational scenarios. These involved mission planning, intelligence gathering, target acquisition, and the capture of individuals classified as "high-value targets."
This exercise comes just two months ahead of the launch of the “African Lion” drills in Morocco. From February 24 to 28, 2025, the Southern Zone Headquarters in Agadir hosted the final planning meeting for the 21st edition of the exercise, with representatives from the Royal Armed Forces, the U.S. military, and several partner nations in attendance.
According to a statement by the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, the meeting finalized the exercise program, which includes operational and tactical training, nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical decontamination drills, and advanced field maneuvers.
The "African Lion 2025" exercise, scheduled to take place from May 12 to 23, will feature military operations across several regions in Morocco, including Agadir, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit, alongside parallel humanitarian and social activities.
As the largest annual military exercise on the African continent, African Lion aims to bolster defense cooperation between Morocco and the United States and enhance multinational intervention capabilities to promote security and stability in the Sahel and North Africa regions.
