U.S. starts combat phase of Africa Lion exercise in Morocco

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U.S. starts combat phase of Africa Lion exercise in Morocco

May 20th, 2015

FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda

Special to WorldTribune.com

As the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, Al Qaida and other jihadist groups with combat experience filter back into north African, the second phase of the U.S. military’s largest annual joint exercise in Africa got underway this week.

Some 3,000 U.S. and allied troops are participating in African Lion in Agadir, Morocco.

F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 480th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and the Royal Moroccan air force prepare for take-off May 15 at Ben Guerir Air Base, Morocco. / U.S. Air Force

Morocco is considered a “major non-NATO ally” and is the only regional nation that has joined the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) coalition.

“This exercise reinforces training engagements conducted in previous African Lion exercises and creates a foundation for slated inter-military cooperation in the future by continuing to build the familiarity and operational proficiency with Moroccan Armed Forces,” said a statement released by U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa.

The opening phase of the maneuvers took place in February and focused on humanitarian aid, disaster relief and rapid deployment operations.

Phase two of African Lion, which is set to conclude on May 22, will include fighter aircraft and live-fire exercises.

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa is leading the exercises, said Sgt. Tatum Vayavananda, a spokesman for the command, who said the executing unit is from 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

“There are a bunch of units here from every service, from Marine combat logistics regiments and law enforcement battalions to an Army law enforcement unit and a public affairs detachment,” Vayavananda told Military Times. “The logistics Marines also support the maritime offload in coordination with U.S. Military Sealift Command and U.S. Transportation Command to get the gear here from ship to shore.”

The U.S. Air Force is engaged in training Morocco’s F-16 pilots at Ben Guerir Air Base, said U.S. Air Forces Europe Air National Guard adviser Col. Pierre Oury.

“The Moroccans have brand new F-16s they purchased in 2011, and they are already flying combat operations with them, which is extraordinary,” Oury said. “They have one of the most capable air forces on the African continent, and we are very interested in working with their capabilities, and accomplishing objectives such as sharing our experiences and building stronger relationships.”

Senegal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Tunisia are also participating in African Lion.