The Spanish-Moroccan collaboration in the 'African Lion'

The exercise was developed in a desert área. (Photo:BRI XVI)

Parade of the logistical convoy in Morocco. (Photo:BRI XVI)

Fire supports of middle mortars and the attack of a light protected unit were part of the Spanish collaboration in the final conventional combat exercise which concluded the "African Lion" of the Moroccan Army. This exercise was conducted from the 16th to the 27th of April at "Cap Draa" Manoeuvres Field, located in Tan Tan, Alaouite Kingdom.

The Spanish collaboration consisted in a tactical subgroup belonging to the 16th "Canarias" Brigade formed over the base of a 9th "Soria" Protected Infantry Battalion's Company, and composed by two protected sections in BMR, a Weapons Section, the Staff and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team belonging to the 16th Engineers Battalion. Furthermore, a Senior Staff of the Command supporting the Tactical Group, a Stabilization Cell, a Maintenance Team and a Command Post over the VAMTAC took also part in this exercise.

The movement of the vehicles to the Manoeuvres Field was carried out by sea first, to Agadir Harbour, and after by road, in a motorized march, until covering the 350 Kilometres that separate it from the Manoeuvres Field.

Once there, the Spanish Unit came into contact with a Moroccan Rapid Intervention Unit and during the subsequent days they shared tactics, techniques and procedures associated to the escort of convoys, check-points, route reconnaissance and combat training for the control of mass, ambushes or anti-ambushes. Some shooting exercises were also conducted in both, light armament and heavy armament, exchanging in that way, the armament among the members of both armies.