On Friday, US forces completed the multilateral naval exercise “Phoenix Express 24” in Tunisia, with the participation of Maghreb and European countries.
The armies of 12 countries participated in the maneuvers, which lasted 12 days: Tunisia, the host country, the United States, Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Turkey, Italy, Malta, Belgium and Georgia.
A statement by the US Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean said that the naval exercise witnessed over the past days the active participation of forces from the US Navy, Infantry, and Coast Guard, in addition to the forces of Washington’s allies in the region.
Commenting on these naval maneuvers, Sixth Fleet Commander JT Anderson said, “It is crucial to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information exchange, and tactical experience with our allies and partner countries to confront illicit activities in North Africa and the southern Mediterranean.”
This year’s edition was characterized by conducting training along the Mediterranean coasts and in the territorial waters of the participating countries from the Maghreb region.
This year’s exercises focused on simulating boarding, ship inspection, diving and rescue operations, and also focused on developing the capabilities of participating countries in various areas of maritime security.
For its part, the Tunisian Ministry of Defense said that “Phoenix Express 24” witnessed the participation of more than 1,100 soldiers and “achieved its goals” and opened up to several areas of concern to maritime security.
She continued in a statement, “The exercise represented an appropriate framework to strengthen cooperation and coordination between naval crews, train individuals, enhance their abilities to properly use maritime systems, equipment and means, and develop their skills in confronting illegal acts at sea and all forms of threats and organized crimes such as smuggling and human trafficking, in order to ensure maritime security factors.” The Mediterranean and its stability.
Tunisia is among Washington’s strategic partners in the Maghreb region, and has been granted the status of a “key ally outside the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)” since 2015.
“Phoenix Express” is one of three naval exercises organized by the United States on the African continent, under the supervision of the Commander of the Sixth Fleet stationed in Naples, southern Italy.
🌍 Conclusion of the joint naval exercise “Phoenix Express 24” in Tunisia! 🇹🇳 This concluded the naval exercise, which lasted for 10 days, and brought together…
Posted byU.S. Embassy TunisIn Friday, November 15, 2024
Last updated: November 16, 2024 – 16:12
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What are the key objectives of the “Phoenix Express 24” naval exercise?
Interview with Dr. Sarah El-Masri, Maritime Security Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El-Masri. The recent completion of “Phoenix Express 24” in Tunisia has been making waves in defense and maritime security circles. Can you provide an overview of the significance of this multilateral naval exercise?
Dr. Sarah El-Masri: Absolutely, thanks for having me. The “Phoenix Express 24” exercise is vitally important for several reasons. First, it highlights the collaborative efforts among 12 nations in the region, which include both Maghreb and European countries. This kind of cooperation is essential for tackling the unique maritime challenges the Mediterranean faces, including smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal fishing.
Time.news Editor: Commander JT Anderson stated that improving regional cooperation and maritime domain awareness is crucial. How do exercises like these contribute to that goal?
Dr. Sarah El-Masri: Exercises such as Phoenix Express foster stronger partnerships among participating countries, building trust and enhancing operational capabilities. By conducting simulated operations like boarding and ship inspections, participating forces can share knowledge and techniques that are critical for maritime security. The practical experience gained through such drills also allows for better information exchange and coordination on real-life maritime threats.
Time.news Editor: The Tunisian Ministry of Defense mentioned that over 1,100 soldiers participated and that the exercise achieved its goals. What specific skills or capabilities do you think these soldiers and their regional partners gained from this exercise?
Dr. Sarah El-Masri: The soldiers would have honed a variety of essential skills. The emphasis on diving and rescue operations enhances their response capabilities in emergencies at sea. Training in dealing with illicit activities like smuggling or human trafficking directly addresses regional concerns, boosting their ability to act effectively. Ultimately, this exercise serves to align operational procedures among nations, making responses to security issues more seamless and effective.
Time.news Editor: With the Mediterranean being a strategically significant area, could you elaborate on the broader implications of enhanced maritime security for the region?
Dr. Sarah El-Masri: Certainly. Enhanced maritime security promotes stability not only within the Mediterranean but also serves broader geopolitical interests. It reassures trade routes, which are vital for economies in the region and beyond. Additionally, improved maritime security limits the influence of organized crime and illegal activities that can destabilize governments and communities. Moreover, it demonstrates a united front among participating nations, which can deter potential threats and aggressions from non-state actors.
Time.news Editor: It seems that “Phoenix Express 24” has set a positive precedent for future collaboration. What do you see as the next steps for these nations in terms of maritime cooperation?
Dr. Sarah El-Masri: Building on the momentum from this exercise, I expect we’ll see more frequent and possibly larger-scale joint operations. Countries may increase intelligence-sharing agreements and work towards standardizing procedures for maritime law enforcement. Additionally, engaging in community outreach to address the root causes of illegal activities in the coastal regions could provide a holistic approach to maritime security.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. El-Masri, for your insights. It’s evident that exercises like “Phoenix Express 24” play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and enhancing security in the Mediterranean.
Dr. Sarah El-Masri: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for maritime collaboration, and I look forward to seeing how these relationships evolve to meet the challenges ahead.