U.S. Africa Command hosted dual opening ceremonies in Libya and Côte d'Ivoire yesterday, officially beginning Exercise Flintlock 2026 — its annual combined special operations exercise.
This year's exercise brings together approximately 1,500 service
members from more than 30 African and international partner nations to
strengthen interoperability and collective readiness.
"I'm happy to announce that our premier special operations exercise in
Africa, Flintlock 2026, has begun," said Army Lt. Gen. John Brennan,
Africom deputy commander. "This exercise will forge stronger bonds
between all those participating and demonstrate our shared commitments
to confronting and degrading terrorism in Africa."
Flintlock 2026 marks the first time Libya has hosted an operating
location with joint forces training alongside one another. It was made
possible by the 3+3 Libyan Joint Military Committee, which supports
Libyan joint forces efforts.
"Due to the investment of visionary leaders on both sides, and the
diligence of the 3+3, it is now a reality," Brennan said. "Security
breeds prosperity, and this is clearly visible in Libya today, as you've
seen on the demonstration field in front of you."
Cohosted with the Italian special forces, the training location in
Sirte, Libya, focuses on enhancing counterterrorism capabilities and
running a multinational joint operations center to improve regional
security coordination.
Simultaneously, a ceremony in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, commenced at the
country's main training location — a key security leader in West Africa.
Ivorian-led operations will center around a command-and-control
headquarters in Jacqueville, Côte d'Ivoire, directing special operations
units conducting tactical objectives.
"Your presence here reflects our shared commitment to cooperation,
collective security and peace," said Ivorian Special Forces Deputy
Commander Col. Kitchafolwori Sekongo during the opening ceremony in Côte
d'Ivoire. "In doing so, we strengthen our ability to operate together,
particularly in the face of complex and evolving security challenges."
Flintlock is an African-led, partner-centric exercise designed to build
the sovereign capacity of nations to provide for their own security. By
sharing costs, leadership and expertise, participating nations make a
collective investment in regional stability.
The exercise will continue throughout April and is designed to reinforce
adherence to the rule of law and the protection of civilians in
military operations. Through shared training and collaboration,
Flintlock strengthens the network of trusted partners committed to peace
and security in Africa.
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