A Spanish Special Naval Warfare Force team (FGNE in its Spanish initials) is training Senegalese and Cape Verdean Forces on special operations missions as part of Exercise Flintlock 16.
This multinational exercise is conducted by Sahel and NATO nations within the present Cooperative Security framework and is the follow-up to the training activities carried out a few months ago.
Sahel is the eco-climatic and bio-geographic zone of transition in Africa between the Sahara Desert to the north and the Sudanian Savanna to the south of the continent.
Flintlock 16 contemplates different scenarios: patrols, firing techniques, EOD, parachuting, MEDEVAC, etc. For the Spanish servicemen the deployment is also an opportunity to train in desert conditions. It is an annual exercise in which Western SO Forces provide military assistance to African nations. It is designed to foster regional cooperation, enhance stability in NW African regions and fight violent extremist organizations.
The 2016 edition is focused on anti-terrorist tactics, and Spain contributes with different SO units from the Navy, Army and Air Force as well as personnel from the Guardia Civil (Gendarmerie).