Indian Special Operations Forces are mentoring Guinean troops and conducting joint urban combat training during Exercise Flintlock 2026 in the Ivory Coast. The focus has been on close-quarters battle techniques, including breaching and clearing residential structures, to sharpen skills needed for counterterrorism operations in built-up environments.
On April 24, Indian SOF worked alongside Guinean special forces to demonstrate and practice coordinated breaching methods, entry drills and room-clearing procedures. Mentors emphasized timing, communication, precision and safety while trainees rehearsed techniques to breach fortified doors and clear confined spaces under realistic conditions.
Exercise Flintlock, launched in 2005, is AFRICOM’s premier annual special operations exercise. Flintlock 2026 spans training locations in the Ivory Coast and Libya, involves more than 30 partner nations and roughly 1,500 service members, and aims to strengthen interoperability, regional coordination and collective readiness against terrorism.
US Army Lt. Gen. John Brennan, AFRICOM deputy commander, said the exercise will solidify partnerships and demonstrate shared commitments to confronting and degrading terrorist threats in Africa. He noted Libya’s expanded role this year, with an operating location enabled by the 3+3 Libyan Joint Military Committee, and highlighted progress toward greater stability and security there.
In Libya, Italian special forces are co-hosting counterterrorism training in Sirte and running a multinational joint operations center to improve regional coordination. In the Ivory Coast, an Abidjan opening ceremony kicked off Ivorian-led operations managed from a command-and-control hub in Jacqueville directing special operations units on tactical missions.
Ivorian Special Forces Deputy Commander Col. Kitchafolwori Sekongo welcomed participants and said their presence reflects a shared commitment to cooperation, collective security and peace, and strengthens the ability of partner forces to operate together against evolving threats.
Flintlock is designed to be African-led and partner-focused, sharing leadership, costs and expertise to build national capacity for security management. The exercise includes training on adherence to the rule of law and protection of civilians, with multinational drills intended to reinforce partnerships dedicated to peace and stability across the region. Flintlock 2026 activities continue through April.
