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STUTTGART, Germany — U.S. special operations forces, alongside African troops at the forefront of counterterrorism operations on the continent, launched their premier training exercise Monday in Senegal and Mauritania.

The Flintlock exercise includes about 1,700 special operations troops from more than 30 countries, according to U.S. Africa Command. Among the country’s involved are several west African states key to American counterterrorism efforts in Africa, such as Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria, which all are involved in battling the Islamic militant group Boko Haram operating in northern Nigeria.

The exercise does not have a specific foe in mind, but rather aims to improve tactics and cooperation among regional militaries, according to AFRICOM.

“Platforms like Flintlock provide a unique opportunity to enhance regional coordination and address common challenges among participating nations,” AFRICOM said in a release.

news@stripes.com

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