US-led anti-jihadist military drills began in Ivory Coast on Sunday, maintaining the West's counter-terror commitment in West Africa after France this week announced its withdrawal from Mali.

Flintlock involves the armies of the United States, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon and Niger and is supported by France, Britain, Canada, Austria and the Netherlands. It will end on February 28.

Jihadist attacks have hit northern Ivory Coast and fellow Gulf of Guinea states Benin and Ghana as fighting spilled over from Sahel nations -- Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali -- that have long battled insurgencies.

"The fact that we can be here today is a real testament to our ability to overcome adversities to achieve our common goals," said Jamie Sands, commander of the US army's operations in Africa.

Sands officially launched the exercise at the International Anti-Terrorism Academy in the town of Jacqueville, near Ivory Coast's economic hub Abidjan.

"The Ivorian army is ready to deal with terrorism," said Ivory Coast's army chief General Lassina Doumbia.

The drills come after France announced it would withdraw its troops from an almost decade-long anti-jihadist mission in Mali, Barkhane, and from Europe's Task Force Takuba.

The forces are due to be redeployed to other countries in the region, particularly Mali's neighbour Niger.

Abidjan hosts 900 French soldiers, who offer logistical support to Barkhane as one of their main responsibilities.

Related Links
Africa News - Resources, Health, Food

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Nearly 60 rebel fighters 'neutralised' in Mali: army
Bamako (AFP) Feb 19, 2022
Eight soldiers and 57 "terrorists" were killed in clashes at a rebel base in northern Mali where rival jihadist groups, including the so-called Islamic State, are active, the Malian army said on Saturday. Friday's fighting followed an air raid and erupted just a day after France and its allies announced their military withdrawal from the African country. The Malian army said it carried out the attack against the rebel base after its troops had been attacked by "unidentified armed men" in the Arc ... read more