After its cancellation last year, due to the US’s proposal to expand MINURSO’s mandate to monitor human rights in the Sahara, the African Lion military exercises will take place in the south of Morocco on smaller scale, as a preparation step for next year.
According to the Marine times, the Marines are ready for these exercises to take place again in 2015. It is important to note that these exercises happen on annual basis since 2007.
The same source indicated that these exercises, which will take place between the March 27th and April 7th, including German forces as well, in order to prepare for what will become the “largest military exercise” in the African continent.
According to a US military official, the exercises will include training on the use of the F-16, known as the “Majestic Eagle”, developing intelligence capabilities and other exercises to assist the population in case of civil wars and natural disasters.
The Moroccan Times.
