US Conducts Tunnel Warfare Exercise in Morocco with UGV Unmanned Ground Vehicles.

The US military recently conducted a tunnel warfare exercise in Tifnit, Morocco, as part of African Lion 2024 (AL24), a premier joint exercise led by the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Photos of this exercise were published on May 24, 2024, by the US Department of Defense.
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A remotely controlled micro tactical ground robot is piloted through a dark subterranean passage. (Picture source: US DoD)

The exercise, which took place from April 19 to May 31, involved over 8,100 participants from 27 nations, including NATO contingents.

Tunnel warfare involves the use of tunnels and underground cavities for military operations, both offensive and defensive. This includes creating underground facilities for attack or defense, using existing natural caves, and constructing artificial underground structures. Tunnels can be used to undermine fortifications, launch surprise attacks, facilitate ambushes, conduct counterattacks, and move troops covertly. They also serve as shelters from enemy attacks.

The use of tunnels during the Israel-Hamas conflict demonstrated the importance of preparing for this type of warfare. Despite being an ancient tactic, it remains relevant today. Developing techniques and training, especially using UGVs, is crucial to minimize human casualties often associated with such conditions.

The AL24 exercise not only included scenarios such as subterranean warfare but also psychological operations, building clearing, combined assaults, fast-rope insertion, rappelling, and hostage rescue. These exercises are essential for preparing forces to operate in diverse and challenging environments.

During the training, a remotely controlled Micro Tactical Ground Robot navigated a subterranean passage. Green Berets from the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Utah National Guard, trained alongside partner forces near Tifnit, Morocco.

For many years, Hamas has developed an extensive network of tunnels under Gaza, used for various military activities. These tunnels allow Hamas to launch surprise attacks, move discreetly, and store weapons safe from Israeli airstrikes. Some tunnels even extend under the border with Israel, enabling infiltrations behind Israeli lines.

In 2023, the Israel Defense Forces intensified efforts to detect, capture, and destroy these tunnels. This operation, often referred to as the "Tunnel War," involved advanced technologies such as underground robots (similar to those used in the exercise), geophysical detection systems, and specialized drones.

The tunnels built by Hamas are often very sophisticated, with lighting, ventilation systems, and infrastructure to support prolonged underground stays. They are used to store munitions, launch rockets, and prepare cross-border attacks. Building these tunnels requires significant expertise and resources, often obtained through diverted construction materials.

The tunnel warfare had a significant impact on the conflict in 2023. Efforts to destroy these tunnels disrupted Hamas operations and reduced the frequency of cross-border attacks. However, the clandestine and adaptable nature of the tunnels makes this a complex and ongoing challenge.

Therefore, it is crucial to prepare for such tactics, and the US military appears to have recognized this with the exercise in Morocco.

A remotely controlled Micro Tactical Ground Robot navigates the steps leading into a subterranean passage during exercise African Lion 2024 (AL24). ( Picture Source: US DoD)