Latest news with #AfricanLion2025
Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Houthi leader condemns Morocco-Israel military cooperation at African Lion
In a recent speech, Abdelmalek El Houthi sharply criticized the military cooperation between Morocco and Israel, specifically highlighting a joint «air exercise». He pointed to the participation of Israeli military personnel in the Moroccan phase of «African Lion 2025», which took place from May 12 to 23. «Arab countries participated in these trainings with the Zionist enemy», he lamented, without naming them. Notably, Qatar's military was also involved in the Iniochos 2025 air exercise organized by Greece from March 24 to April 13, which included an F-15 aircraft. El Houthi, however, chose to overlook Qatar's participation. Instead, he focused on Morocco, stating that «the Moroccan monarchic regime is involved in normalization». El Houthi condemned the presence of Israeli pilots in the Moroccan military exercise as «treason», emphasizing that «the Zionist air force commits crimes in Gaza against the Palestinian people». The Houthi leader had previously accused Morocco of «treason» in June 2024, claiming that «Morocco strengthened its economic cooperation with the Israeli enemy» during an earlier speech.
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
African Lion 2025 wraps up with Morocco at the heart of multinational security
The 21st edition of the African Lion 2025 military exercise has concluded this week after mobilizing over 10,000 troops from 50+ nations across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, announces a press release. For the first time, the exercise integrated defensive cyber operations and expanded CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) scenarios, alongside joint academic training. U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, praised Morocco's role: «I want to thank Morocco for hosting African Lion and helping strengthen our collective security through rigorous, multinational training». Highlighting Morocco's strategic importance, U.S. Embassy Chargée d'Affaires Aimee Cutrona said, «As a major non-NATO ally and historic security partner, Morocco plays a pivotal role in promoting regional stability». The exercise featured HIMARS fire missions, airborne and amphibious operations, maritime interdiction, and humanitarian civic assistance programs that treated over 1,200 patients in rural areas. «Our medical personnel built readiness by executing critical war-time skills», noted U.S. Army Col. Kelley Togiola. Maj. Gen. Andrew Gainey, Commanding General of SETAF-AF, summed up AL25's impact: «African Lion 25 was a clear demonstration of how we project power, build trust, and deliver results… That's what readiness looks like—and that's what deterrence demands».
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Military Pullback in Africa Opens Door for China and Russia
The U.S. military is shifting its Africa strategy away from long-standing efforts to address governance and root causes of conflict. Instead, Washington is pressing African security forces to operate more independently as America reduces its footprint. At African Lion 2025, the U.S. military's largest joint exercise on the continent, this strategic shift was evident. "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing," General Michael Langley, the top U.S. military official in Africa, told The Associated Press. Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. This transition comes amid rising threats from Islamist insurgents and expanding influence by Russia and China on the continent. While the U.S. reduces direct involvement, militant groups affiliated with al-Qaida and Islamic State are gaining ground, increasing the risk of violence spreading beyond current hotspots. The shift also reflects Pentagon priorities under President Donald Trump's administration, focusing resources on homeland defense and expecting allies to assume greater responsibility. African Lion, held across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, brought together troops from over 40 nations for a month of joint training in air, land, and sea operations. Exercises included drone flights, close-combat drills, and satellite-guided rocket launches. But alongside these maneuvers, the military's messaging has moved away from its traditional "whole of government" approach that combined defense, diplomacy, and development to stabilize fragile states. General Langley said that the U.S. now aims to build partner capacity rather than lead security efforts. "We have our set priorities now — protecting the homeland. And we're also looking for other countries to contribute to some of these global instability areas," he said, citing ongoing support for Sudan. Meanwhile, China and Russia are rapidly expanding their influence in Africa through military training, arms sales, and private mercenaries. China runs extensive cooperation programs, including joint exercises with several African nations, aiming to secure strategic partnerships and resource access. Russia, via the Wagner Group and other contractors, provides combat support in the Sahel and Central Africa, gaining ground in unstable regions. These moves challenge the U.S.'s traditional security role and complicate Africa's geopolitical landscape as Washington steps back. U.S. General Michael Langley stated: "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in April: "We have held the first meeting in the new Russia-Alliance of Sahel States format... Russia confirmed today that it is prepared to... assist in formation of the Joint Forces of the Alliance of Sahel States by providing advisory services." As General Langley prepares to leave his post later this year, the U.S. military faces mounting challenges maintaining influence while encouraging African nations to assume greater security roles. Whether partners can rise to the task amid growing insurgencies and rival powers will shape the future of U.S.-Africa relations and regional stability. Related Articles The Young Putin Ally Winning Hearts Across Africa: Who Is Ibrahim Traoré?Trump Stuns South African President with 'Genocide' Video in Heated Clash$445 Million Plan Revived for Sub-Saharan Africa's Tallest TowerTrump Admin Appears to Have Deported Migrants to South Sudan, Attorneys Say 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Military Pullback in Africa Opens Door for China and Russia
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. military is shifting its Africa strategy away from long-standing efforts to address governance and root causes of conflict. Instead, Washington is pressing African security forces to operate more independently as America reduces its footprint. At African Lion 2025, the U.S. military's largest joint exercise on the continent, this strategic shift was evident. "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing," General Michael Langley, the top U.S. military official in Africa, told The Associated Press. Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. Why It Matters This transition comes amid rising threats from Islamist insurgents and expanding influence by Russia and China on the continent. While the U.S. reduces direct involvement, militant groups affiliated with al-Qaida and Islamic State are gaining ground, increasing the risk of violence spreading beyond current hotspots. The shift also reflects Pentagon priorities under President Donald Trump's administration, focusing resources on homeland defense and expecting allies to assume greater responsibility. Gen. Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, center, and Major General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, attend the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of... Gen. Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, center, and Major General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, attend the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025. More Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo What To Know African Lion, held across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, brought together troops from over 40 nations for a month of joint training in air, land, and sea operations. Exercises included drone flights, close-combat drills, and satellite-guided rocket launches. But alongside these maneuvers, the military's messaging has moved away from its traditional "whole of government" approach that combined defense, diplomacy, and development to stabilize fragile states. General Langley said that the U.S. now aims to build partner capacity rather than lead security efforts. "We have our set priorities now — protecting the homeland. And we're also looking for other countries to contribute to some of these global instability areas," he said, citing ongoing support for Sudan. Beijing and Moscow Influence Meanwhile, China and Russia are rapidly expanding their influence in Africa through military training, arms sales, and private mercenaries. China runs extensive cooperation programs, including joint exercises with several African nations, aiming to secure strategic partnerships and resource access. Russia, via the Wagner Group and other contractors, provides combat support in the Sahel and Central Africa, gaining ground in unstable regions. These moves challenge the U.S.'s traditional security role and complicate Africa's geopolitical landscape as Washington steps back. A target is hit with artillery fire as U.S and Moroccan military forces take part in the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025.... A target is hit with artillery fire as U.S and Moroccan military forces take part in the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025. More Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo What People Are Saying U.S. General Michael Langley stated: "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in April: "We have held the first meeting in the new Russia-Alliance of Sahel States format... Russia confirmed today that it is prepared to... assist in formation of the Joint Forces of the Alliance of Sahel States by providing advisory services." What Happens Next As General Langley prepares to leave his post later this year, the U.S. military faces mounting challenges maintaining influence while encouraging African nations to assume greater security roles. Whether partners can rise to the task amid growing insurgencies and rival powers will shape the future of U.S.-Africa relations and regional stability.
Morocco World
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco, US Conclude ‘African Lion 2025' With Large-Scale Military Drill
Rabat – The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and the United States military wrapped up the 21st edition of the joint exercise 'African Lion 2025' on Friday, with final operations held near the mouth of the Draa River, north of Tan-Tan. The exercise brought together over 10,000 soldiers from Morocco, the US, and other allied countries, including NATO forces. During the closing maneuvers, troops simulated a full-scale response to a fictional enemy. Moroccan and American air and ground forces worked together to strike targets and carry out coordinated attacks. Moroccan F-16 jets supported ground operations, while American HIMARS artillery systems bombed enemy positions. Special forces destroyed a radar site used to detect drones, and Royal Moroccan artillery units provided front-line support using M109 A5 systems. Armored vehicles such as Abrams tanks, along with infantry transported in heavy and light armored vehicles, cleared the remaining enemy forces. Engineers then dismantled landmines to allow movement of troops during simulated attacks and counterattacks. One highlight was a joint logistics operation that demonstrated how to evacuate injured soldiers from the battlefield using Puma helicopters and ground vehicles. Damaged military vehicles were also towed for repair and redeployment. Se nior military officials from both countries attended the exercise. General Mohamed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, and U.S. General Michael Langley, Commander of AFRICOM, commended the coordination between the two armies. Langley said that the training shows how both countries can respond together to growing security threats, especially in the Sahel region. Held from May 12 across various Moroccan regions, including Agadir, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit, the African Lion 2025 included training in multiple areas, like planning operations, nuclear and chemical threat response, and combined air-ground maneuvers. Tags: Africa Lion 2025militaryMorocco US
