Tunisia is hosting from Monday to June 18 part of the multinational military exercise “African Lion 21”, with the participation of 400 Tunisian soldiers from the three armies and 64 US troops, said the National Defence Ministry.
“This is the largest annual joint exercise of the United States Command for Africa. It also began on Monday, jointly in Morocco and Senegal, the same source added.
“African Lion 21 is a multi-domain, multi-component, multi-national exercise that will employ a full range of mission capabilities to enhance interoperability among partner nations and improve the ability to operate in the African theatre.
According to the Ministry of National Defence, it aims to improve the readiness of the forces of partner countries, including Tunisia, in the field of operational planning, countering improvised explosive devices, prevention of chemical and biological risks, as well as first aid in the field and air evacuation during operations.
To ensure the success of the exercise, a health protocol has been put in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus epidemic, according to the same source.
Last February, General Christopher G. Cavoli, Commander of the U.S. Army for Europe and Africa had said that Tunisia will host with Morocco, Senegal and Spain the multinational military exercise “African Lion”.
“This exercise aims, essentially, to strengthen military cooperation between participating countries to respond to crises (conflicts) that may arise as well as terrorist threats that lurk in the countries of the region,” he added.
He also said these manoeuvres will include air-land, naval and air exercises, in addition to medical actions residents of regions concerned.
For his part, Major General and Deputy Commanding General for Africa and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force-Africa Commander, Andrew M. Rohling said that Tunisia will host the majority of maneuvers that will take place during the exercise “African Lion”.
The new edition of the African Lion that was cancelled in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic will see the participation of nearly 10 thousand soldiers of several countries, including the United States, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Source: TAP News Agency