African soldiers trained in US exercises

Описание: (9 Mar 2023)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Accra - 09 March 2023
1. Wide of African soldiers climbing wire ladder to board Spanish navy ship Audaz as part of Flintlock 2023 training exercise
2. Soldiers gathered after boarding
3. Wide of military speedboat
4. Various of soldiers training
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Major Adam DeMarco, Volta site lead and liaison to maritime African partners:
"The benefits to Ghana and its neighbouring countries from this specific training is it not only prepares our African partner nations for maritime security operations but it also fosters the interoperability and collective security that we are trying to aim for with exercise Flintlock."
6. Various of soldiers during training
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Javier Gutierrez, Spanish Ambassador to Ghana:
"What happens here in Ghana, in countries of Western Africa has a direct impact on not only in Spain but also in Europe and in the interest of our allies. We have been cooperating for many years and with counties like Ghana, we are contributing to facing common challenges like terrorists and piracy and at the same time building local capacities. We believe that these are activities for mutual benefits of both parties and we're cooperating with our partners like Ghana."
8. Various of soldiers training, boats and ship

STORYLINE:
A select group of African soldiers have been training in exercises part of an annual U.S. military-led counterterrorism exercise that will enable them to fortify their countries' borders.

This year's edition of the event is being staged in Ghana and Ivory Coast and takes place amid growing anti-French sentiment in the region with countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso moving closer to Russia.

U.S military officials said they're helping African countries stem the threat before it gets too large by sponsoring such training.

Organisers say 29 nations and approximately 1,300 personnel are participating in Flintlock 2023.

The two week training exercise began at the start of the month and will run until March 15.

Thursday's training in Accra saw troops learning how to conduct anti-piracy operations on a Spanish navy ship.

"What happens here in Ghana, in countries of Western Africa has direct impact on not only in Spain but also in Europe and in the interest of our allies," said Javier Gutierrez, Spain's Ambassador to Ghana.

AP video shot by Modestus Zame

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