As part of the Moroccan-American military cooperation in disaster management, an exercise to counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (C-WMD) took place on Tuesday at the military port of Agadir.
This training occurred during the combined Moroccan-American exercise “African Lion 2025,” 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 focuses primarily on conducting reconnaissance operations, neutralizing improvised Weapons of Mass Destruction, radiological dispersal devices, and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) decontamination.
This exercise aims to further enhance the operational and tactical capabilities of the CBRN, Flood Rescue (Diving), and EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) companies of the FAR’s Rescue and Salvage Unit (USS) to face a crisis situation involving radiological, chemical, and explosive risks.
Through a scenario utilizing the personnel and material resources of the CBRN, Flood Rescue, and EOD companies of the FAR’s Rescue and Salvage Unit, this exercise was designed to practice 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 C-WMD exercise will enable the CBRN, Flood Rescue, and EOD companies of the FAR’s Rescue and Salvage 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 notably of Major General Mohammed Benouali, South Zone Chief of Staff, and Brigadier General Daniel Cederman, Deputy Commanding General-Reserve- of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-Africa), consists of an intervention to secure the port of Agadir upon the arrival of a suspicious vessel carrying WMD materials.
Indeed, Moroccan and Ghanaian special forces launched a boarding operation on the vessel using maritime assault techniques before taking full control of the ship and securing the area.
Subsequently, the special forces teams undertook a meticulous inspection of the vessel 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, 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 the chemical agents.
Finally, the USS CBRN team carried out decontamination, triage, medical care operations, as well as air and ground evacuation of victims to receive necessary care.
Launched on the 12th of this month, the “African Lion 2025” Exercise runs until May 23rd, 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 enhance intervention capabilities in a multinational context, thus 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.
Source: article written by L’Opinion with MAP, 20 March 2025.