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Special Operations Command Afric

A distinguished visitor from Italy listens to remarks at Flintlock 25’s opening ceremony, April 24, 2025. Flintlock, Africa's premier special operations exercise, unites U.S., allied, and partner forces to build the readiness and lethality essential for achieving peace through strength. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Zachary Wright)

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Zachary Wright 

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Special Operations Command Afric

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, observes a joint special operations demonstration during the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, April 24, 2025. During Flintlock 25's opening ceremony, Ivorian and UK Special Forces showcased the lethality and readiness essential for combatting shared threats with a joint raid demonstration, underscoring the exercise's commitment to achieving peace through strength. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Zachary Wright)

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Zachary Wright 

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Special Operations Command Afric

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, walks with General Lassina Doumbia, Chief of Defense Staff of Côte d’Ivoire, during the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, April 24, 2025. Flintlock, Africa's premier special operations exercise, unites U.S., allied and partner forces to build the readiness and lethality essential for achieving peace through strength. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Zachary Wright)

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Zachary Wright 

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Special Operations Command Afric

General Lassina Doumbia, Chief of Defense Staff of Côte d’Ivoire, delivers his remarks during the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, April 24, 2025. Flintlock, Africa's premier special operations exercise, unites U.S., allied, and partner forces to build the readiness and lethality essential for achieving peace through strength. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Zachary Wright)

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Zachary Wright 

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Special Operations Command Afric

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, delivers his remarks during the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, April 24, 2025. Flintlock 25, Africa's premier special operations exercise, strengthens combat-ready forces from over 30 nations to combat terrorism, deter against shared threats and build a more secure future. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Zachary Wright)

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Zachary Wright 

Flintlock 2025, U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats. “Twenty years of Flintlock and our resolve is stronger than ever. Together, with our partners and allies, we are forging lethal forces ready to deter aggression and win on the battlefield,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command. “U.S. Africa Command is committed to countering threats to the United States and working alongside our African partners as they play a leading role in providing for their own defense.”

This iteration, hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, reflects the dedication by African partners to address regional challenges independently while still working with international partners for global peace. The exercise will consist of academics, then shift to a staff and command post exercise.

Exercise scenarios are designed to strengthen partner nations’ collective abilities to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, provide security, respect human rights and build trust with civilian populations. The exercise also bolsters information sharing between African, U.S., and other partner nation military and law enforcement organizations through an interagency fusion cell.

“Flintlock demonstrates our long-term commitment to improve partner-nation operational independence,” said U.S. Army Maj. Patrick Temperato, Flintlock lead planner. “Integrated operations planned on a foundation of shared values and interests are critical to reinforcing an extended network of like-minded nations capable of decisively meeting the defense challenges of today and tomorrow.” For more information, visit https://www.africom.mil/what-we-do/exercises/flintlock or https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/Flintlock