Canadian special forces wrap up Flintlock 2019 exercise in Africa.

Canadian special forces were in Africa taking part in the annual U.S.-led Exercise Flintlock. Canada’s participation in Flintlock 2019 started in Burkina Faso on Feb. 18 and went until March 1. David Pugliese reports.

A member of Canadian special forces conducts training with African forces during Exercise Flintlock 2019 (Picture source: CANSOFCOM)

Elements of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) from Petawawa participated in the exercise, which is part of Canada’s commitment to counter-terrorism and capacity-building in the Sahel region. CSOR personnel worked with the Forces Armées Nigériennes in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkino Faso. CSOR also had a staff officer working in the Joint Military Headquarters in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

The Canadian Forces Health Services Group also sent a mobile surgical resuscitation team to provide primary medical support to the exercise. In total, around 50 Canadians took part in the exercise. Like in previous years, CSOR focused on providing training in firearms, patrolling and night operations and the Law of Armed Conflict.