Abidjan [Ivory Coast], April 28 (ANI): Indian Special Operations Forces (SOF) are playing a key role at Exercise Flintlock 2026, mentoring Guinean troops and training alongside them in urban combat techniques in Ivory Coast.
On April 24, Indian SOF worked closely with Guinean special forces to share breaching and clearing methods for residential structures in close-quarters battle scenarios. Training emphasized tactical skills needed for operations in built-up areas, a vital element of counterterrorism missions.
During drills, Guinean soldiers practiced breaching fortified structures and doors while Indian SOF mentors guided techniques to improve coordination, precision, and safety in high-risk urban environments.
Exercise Flintlock, launched in 2005, is the United States Africa Command’s premier annual special operations exercise. Flintlock 2026 brings together more than 30 countries across the Ivory Coast and Libya to enhance combat readiness, strengthen counterterrorism capabilities, and improve coordination among partner nations.
About 1,500 service members from African and international partners are participating, aiming to boost interoperability and collective readiness.
“I’m happy to announce that our premier special operations exercise in Africa, Flintlock 2026, has begun,” said US Army Lt Gen John Brennan, AFRICOM deputy commander. “This exercise will forge stronger bonds between all those participating and demonstrate our shared commitments to confronting and degrading terrorism in Africa.”
Flintlock 2026 marks the first time Libya has hosted an operating location, enabled by the ‘3+3’ Libyan Joint Military Committee to support coordination among Libyan forces. “Due to the investment of visionary leaders on both sides, and the diligence of the 3+3, it is now a reality,” Brennan added. “Security breeds prosperity, and this is clearly visible in Libya today, as you’ve seen on the demonstration field in front of you.”
In Libya, Italian special forces are co-hosting training in Sirte, focusing on counterterrorism capabilities and running a multinational joint operations centre to strengthen regional security coordination.
A separate opening ceremony was held in Abidjan, one of the main training locations. Ivorian-led operations are centered on a command-and-control headquarters in Jacqueville directing special operations units on tactical missions.
“Your presence here reflects our shared commitment to cooperation, collective security and peace,” said Ivorian Special Forces Deputy Commander Col. Kitchafolwori Sekongo during the Abidjan opening. “In doing so, we strengthen our ability to operate together, particularly in the face of complex and evolving security challenges.”
Flintlock is an African-led, partner-focused exercise that shares costs, leadership, and expertise to build national capacity for managing security. The exercise continues through April and includes training to reinforce adherence to the rule of law and the protection of civilians, with joint drills designed to strengthen partnerships committed to peace and security across Africa. (ANI)
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