US Military Conducts First Maritime Drills With West African Forces

The U.S. military is conducting its first maritime drills with West African forces. The exercises are part of its long-running Flintlock program. Although the threats West African forces face are many, illegal fishing from Chinese vessels has become a top priority. The U.S. commander in charge of the training says this robs the region of a key resource and takes food out of people’s mouths. He says it also fuels other criminal activity including drugs and human trafficking.