Morocco and US bolster disaster response expertise through joint training

Friday 26 September 2025 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco and US bolster disaster response expertise through joint training

The United States and Morocco have strengthened their disaster response collaboration with the completion of Maroc Mantlet 2025, an annual exercise designed to enhance emergency preparedness. This year’s training brought together nearly 30 members of the Utah National Guard and Moroccan authorities, including the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), Civil Protection, the Ministry of Interior, the Directorate for National Security (DGSN), and the national committee on Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, and Chemical (NRBC) response.

Strengthening disaster preparedness

As Morocco’s premier disaster readiness drill, Maroc Mantlet focuses on fostering cooperation between military and civilian teams during crises such as natural disasters or chemical emergencies. The 2025 exercise featured advanced training in firefighting, search-and-rescue operations, emergency medical care, and the use of drones for command and coordination. This year’s program emphasized faster disaster response, early integration of Army units, improved humanitarian coordination, and the adoption of cutting-edge technology.

Lt. Col. Adam Sherman of the Utah National Guard highlighted the importance of the partnership, noting, “We are honored to participate in Maroc Mantlet this year, and each year since 2013. Our goal is to continue building relationships with our Moroccan partners, demonstrate and test new technologies, and work side-by-side in areas such as search and extraction, firefighting, medical care, and responses to CBRN threats.”

Morocco as a leader in humanitarian response

Morocco’s participation in such initiatives underscores its growing reputation as a regional leader in emergency preparedness. Following the exercise, Morocco’s Relief and Rescue Unit will continue training to implement lessons learned and share expertise with neighboring countries. The training aligns with US Africa Command’s mission of building resilient, self-sufficient partners across the region.

A deep and enduring partnership

The Maroc Mantlet exercise is a pillar of the broader Morocco-US military partnership, which includes regular joint drills such as African Lion, Africa’s largest annual military exercise. These collaborations reinforce Morocco’s defense capabilities and its strategic role as a US ally in North Africa.

Beyond military exercises, the US supports Morocco in areas such as counterterrorism, border security, and peacekeeping missions. The partnership reflects shared interests in stability, regional security, and humanitarian cooperation.

Morocco-US relations have deep historical roots, with Morocco being the first country to recognize the United States’ independence in 1777. In recent years, ties have grown closer, particularly following the US’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in December 2020, a decision that further solidified political and military collaboration.

Looking ahead

The 2025 Maroc Mantlet exercise demonstrates the enduring strength of Morocco-US relations and their shared commitment to regional security and disaster response. As both nations continue to collaborate, Morocco is positioned to play a leadership role in humanitarian and security initiatives across Africa.