Spanish Special Operations Units and a Navy vessel take part in 'Flintlock23' conducted by the United States

• The aim is to strengthen the capabilities of African special operations units in their fight against terrorism

The multinational exercise 'FLINTLOCK-23' of the type 'LIVEX' (a live exercise in which forces actually participate) is organised by the United States Special Operations Command Africa (US SOCAFRICA) on a regular basis since 2005. This year is taking place in the Ivory Coast and Ghana with the participation of 29 Spanish military and civil guardsmen belonging to the Joint Special Operations Command, Special Operations Command of the Spanish Army, Special Naval Warfare Forces, Parachute Sapper Squadron of the Air and Space Army and personnel of the Civil Guard. In addition, and for the first time, this edition will include the participation of the patrol boat 'Audaz' of the Navy. All of them are deployed in Ghana.

One of the most important objectives of the exercise is to enhance trans-regional security cooperation in North West Africa, with the aim of strengthening African Partner Nations (APN) capabilities to provide local security, improve information and intelligence sharing and develop an information operations campaign in support of special operations missions.

Other objectives of the exercise are to improve the capacity of the Sahel countries to provide air support to Special Operations Forces missions and to improve the capabilities of coastal countries in the planning and execution of maritime missions carried out by Special Operations Units against illicit trafficking and the flow of foreign fighters.

The exercise began its execution phase on 1 March and will be completed on 15 March.