This training took place during the combined Moroccan-American "African Lion 2025" exercise, which is being held in accordance with the High Instructions of His Majesty the King, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces.
It is focused primarily on conducting reconnaissance operations, neutralizing improvised Weapons of Mass Destruction, radiological dispersal devices, and CBRN decontamination.
This exercise aims to further enhance the operational and tactical capabilities of the CBRN, Flood Rescue (Diving), and EOD companies of the FAR Rescue and Relief Unit to deal with crisis situations presenting radiological, chemical, and explosive risks.
Through a scenario implementing the personnel and equipment of the CBRN, Flood Rescue, and EOD companies of the FAR Rescue and Relief Unit, this exercise was designed to train on ship decontamination techniques and develop procedures for countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Focused on an interconnected scenario very close to reality, the theme of the counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction exercise will allow the CBRN, Flood Rescue, and EOD companies of the FAR Rescue and Relief Unit to intervene effectively to manage an incident involving chemical, radiological, and explosive agents.
The scenario of this exercise, which took place in the presence of, among others, Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the Southern Zone, and Brigadier General Daniel Cederman, Deputy Commanding General-Reserve of the US Army Southern European Task Force-Africa (SETAF-Africa), consists of an intervention to secure the port of Agadir upon the arrival of a suspicious ship carrying Weapons of Mass Destruction materials.
Indeed, Moroccan and Ghanaian special forces launched a boarding operation on the ship using maritime assault techniques before taking full control of the vessel and securing the area.
Subsequently, the special forces teams undertook a meticulous inspection of the ship, which revealed the presence of materials and equipment associated with Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).
Clandestine laboratories and containers of chemical agents were discovered in various compartments of the ship.
The CBRN and EOD teams of the USS will be deployed to assess and neutralize the threats, using a drone and specialized equipment.
In parallel, the USS divers, assisted by specialized divers from the Royal Navy, inspected the hull to detect any potential explosive devices, while experts from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) supervised the technical reconnaissance and recommended specific measures for managing chemical agents.
Finally, the USS CBRN team carried out decontamination, triage, medical care, as well as air and land evacuation of the victims to receive the necessary care.
Launched on the 12th of this month, the "African Lion 2025" exercise will run until May 23, in the regions of Agadir, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit.
It aims to strengthen military cooperation between Morocco and the United States, develop interoperability, and reinforce intervention capabilities in a multinational context, thereby contributing to the promotion of security, peace, and stability in the region.
The 21st edition of the "African Lion" exercise also includes parallel humanitarian and social actions.
