U.S. Army Master Sgt. Joseph Buth, right, team sergeant assigned to Civil Affairs Team Botswana, Bravo Company, Civil Affairs Battalion, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), exchanges contact information after conducting an assessment of prefabricated clinics with Malefo Kgosimore, left, administrative officer-accountant at Bobonong Primary Hospital, in Bobonong, Botswana, May 9, 2026. This civil affairs engagement is part of a country program monitoring assessment to ensure host nations have applied money or resources allocated for humanitarian aid toward an agreed purpose. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of Capt. Dylon Sheffer)

Maritime leaders sit and stand together for the African Maritime Forces Summit 2026 official photo in Rabat, Morocco, July 21, 2026. Co-hosted by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, AMFS 2026 brings together international partners to address shared security challenges under the theme "Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security." (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, left, speaks with Royal Moroccan Navy Inspector, Rear Adm. Mohamed Tahin, right, in Rabat, Morocco, July 20, 2026. Shipley and Tahin took time during African Maritime Forces Summit 2026 to discuss maritime security. Co-hosted by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, AMFS 2026 brings together international partners to address shared security challenges under the theme "Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security." (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

Multinational participants pose for a group photo during the West Africa Religious Affairs Symposium (WARAS) in Accra, Ghana, July 14, 2026. U.S. and African military chaplains from 10 partner nations gather for the three-day exchange to discuss methods to support and strengthen service members' spiritual resiliency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexandra Dale)

U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command and Moroccan Gen. Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces shake hands after signing the Memorandum of Understanding seeking to establish the Africa Mutidomain Training and Experimentation Center in Stuttgart, Germany July 13, 2026. This center for innovation excellence will be comprised of three primary elements: The Multidomain Training Area (MDTA), the Drone Academy and an Innovation & Experimentation Center.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command and Moroccan Gen. Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces sign a Memorandum of Understanding seeking to establish the Africa Mutidomain Training and Experimentation Center in Stuttgart, Germany July 13, 2026. This center for innovation excellence will be comprised of three primary elements: The Multidomain Training Area (MDTA), the Drone Academy and an Innovation & Experimentation Center.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Eero Keravuori, deputy director of plans and strategic integration, U.S. Africa Command, shares remarks during the Industry Round Table.

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Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers conducted a flyover in Atar, Mauritania, June 17, 2026, in coordination with a partner training exercise. The event highlighted trilateral integration among U.S., Czech and Mauritanian forces operating in a combined joint environment. All three nations worked together to strengthen interoperability and multilateral cooperation essential for complex military operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Abigail Duell)

U.S. Joint Terminal Attack Controllers with the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron pose for a photo with two Mauritanian Air Force Pilots after conducting air-ground integration and close air support training during an exercise in Atar, Mauritania, June 17, 2026. U.S. JTACs synchronized air and ground operations with Mauritanian partners, demonstrating the multilateral cooperation and interoperability essential for complex operations where precise coordination can mean the difference between mission success and failure. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Abigail Duell)

Mauritanian Air Force pilot, Capt. Mohamed Mohamed Lemine Hardhane, left, and U.S. Air Force SSgt. Cameron Klingenberg, 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron Joint Terminal Attack Controller, fist bump after calling in 9-lines to B-52H Stratofortress bomber pilots during a partner training exercise in Atar, Mauritania, June 17, 2026. U.S. JTACs synchronized air and ground operations with Mauritanian partners, demonstrating the multilateral cooperation and interoperability essential for complex operations where precise coordination can mean the difference between mission success and failure. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Abigail Duell)

U.S. Joint Terminal Attack Controllers pose for a group photo with Czech service members after two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers conducted a flyover in Atar, Mauritania, June 17, 2026, in coordination with a partner training exercise. The event highlighted trilateral integration among U.S., Czech and Mauritanian forces operating in a combined joint environment. All three nations worked together to strengthen interoperability and multilateral cooperation essential for complex military operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Abigail Duell) (Photo altered for security purposes.)

U.S. Air Force SrA Owen Flinn, left, and SSgt. Cameron Klingenberg, 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, finalize mission details and document key information while preparing for a B-52H Stratofortress flyover in Atar, Mauritania, June 16, 2026. This two-day event helped strengthen interoperability and multilateral cooperation, which are essential for complex military operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Abigail Duell)

In Lesotho, Amb. Scott met with the Honorable Richard Ramoeletsi, Acting Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister for Law and Justic. The visit underscored the United States’ commitment to fostering resilient defense institutions, promoting regional stability across Southern Africa and increasing security and economic prosperity.

In Lesotho, Amb. Scott met with Lt. Gen. Exavery Mojalefa Letsoela, Chief of Defense, Lesotho Defense Force. The visit underscored the United States’ commitment to fostering resilient defense institutions, promoting regional stability across Southern Africa and increasing security and economic prosperity.

In Lesotho, Amb. Scott met with Lesotho Defense Force senior officers; Thomas Hines, the Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Maseru; and Navy Capt. Michelle Lowe, the Defense Attaché for Southern Africa. The visit underscored the United States’ commitment to fostering resilient defense institutions, promoting regional stability across Southern Africa and increasing security and economic prosperity.

A drone swarm field demonstration conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, California on April 28, 2026. (Courtesy photo, release number LLNL-MI-2020008)

U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, U.S. Africa Command commander and U.S. Navy Adm. Charles Cooper II, U.S. Central Command commander, testify for a Senate Armed Services Committee at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D. C., May 14, 2026. (DoW photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Milton Hamilton)

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Keith Killgren, a senior signal noncommissioned officer with 7th Engineering Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, studies Bumblebee counter-drone system components during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, April 27, 2026. The training highlighted the integration of advanced surveillance technology to improve tactical intelligence and operator proficiency during AL26 multinational training operations. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Roldan)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Santiago, a small unmanned aerial systems instructor with 7th Army Training Command Combined Arms Training Center, talks about the capabilities of the Bumblebee counter-drone system to U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 7th Engineering Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, April 27, 2026. The training highlighted the integration of advanced surveillance technology to improve tactical intelligence and operator proficiency during AL26 multinational training operations. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Roldan)

U.S. Army Sgt. Pedro Gallardo, a combat medic with the 7th Engineering Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, studies different areas of the Bumblebee counter-drone system during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, April 27, 2026. The training highlighted the integration of advanced surveillance technology to improve tactical intelligence and operator proficiency during AL26 multinational training operations. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Roldan)

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Keith Killgren, a senior signal noncommissioned officer with 7th Engineering Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, identifies Bumblebee counter-drone system components during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, April 27, 2026. The training highlighted the integration of advanced surveillance technology to improve tactical intelligence and operator proficiency during AL26 multinational training operations. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Roldan)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Santiago, a small unmanned aerial systems instructor with 7th Army Training Command Combined Arms Training Center, discusses the components of the Bumblebee counter-drone system during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, April 27, 2026. The training highlighted the integration of advanced surveillance technology to improve tactical intelligence and operator proficiency during AL26 multinational training operations. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Roldan)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Santiago, a small unmanned aerial systems instructor with 7th Army Training Command Combined Arms Training Center, discusses the capabilities of the Bumblebee counter-drone system during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, April 27, 2026. The training highlighted the integration of advanced surveillance technology to improve tactical intelligence and operator proficiency during AL26 multinational training operations. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Roldan)

Capitol Hill stock photo taken in Washington D.C., April 6, 2022. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by -----)

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Michael Scaife with the Naval Medical Research Unit, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, examine environmental pathogens during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, May 2, 2026. The biosurveillance team was composed of U.S. military and research organizations who delivered integrated biosurveillance support, focusing on strengthening commanders’ situational awareness and directly bolstering mission readiness. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF‑AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner‑led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shane Killeen)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel L. Cederman, deputy commanding general-reserve, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), meets with members of the biosurveillance support team during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, May 2, 2026. The biosurveillance team was composed of U.S. military and research organizations who delivered integrated biosurveillance support, focusing on strengthening commanders’ situational awareness and directly bolstering mission readiness. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF‑AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shane Killeen)

An engorged tick is collected for environmental pathogen examination by the biosurveillance team during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, May 2, 2026. The biosurveillance team was composed of U.S. military and research organizations who delivered integrated biosurveillance support, focusing on strengthening commanders’ situational awareness and directly bolstering mission readiness. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF‑AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner‑led regional security.

Keersten Ricks, Ph.D., chief of the Diagnostic Systems Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), examines environmental pathogens during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, May 2, 2026. The biosurveillance team was composed of U.S. military and research organizations who delivered integrated biosurveillance support, focusing on strengthening commanders’ situational awareness and directly bolstering mission readiness. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF‑AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner‑led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shane Killeen)

William Dorman of the Defense Health Agency and Jeff Koehler of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), both biosurveillance team members, conduct research on environmental pathogens during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, May 2, 2026. The biosurveillance team was composed of U.S. military and research organizations who delivered integrated biosurveillance support, focusing on strengthening commanders’ situational awareness and directly bolstering mission readiness. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF‑AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner‑led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shane Killeen)

U.S. Army Maj. John Eads, a member of the biosurveillance team, briefs Brig. Gen. Daniel L. Cederman, deputy commanding general-reserve, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), on environmental pathogen monitoring during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, May 2, 2026. The biosurveillance team was composed of U.S. military and research organizations who delivered integrated biosurveillance support, focusing on strengthening commanders’ situational awareness and directly bolstering mission readiness. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF‑AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner‑led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shane Killeen)

Members of the biosurveillance team gather for a photograph during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, May 2, 2026. The biosurveillance team was composed of U.S. military and research organizations who delivered integrated biosurveillance support, focusing on strengthening commanders’ situational awareness and directly bolstering mission readiness. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF‑AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner‑led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shane Killeen)

U.S. Army Maj. Luis Pow Sang, a member of the biosurveillance team, examines environmental pathogens during African Lion 26 at Southern Zone Headquarters, Agadir, Morocco, May 2, 2026. The biosurveillance team was composed of U.S. military and research organizations who delivered integrated biosurveillance support, focusing on strengthening commanders’ situational awareness and directly bolstering mission readiness. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF‑AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner‑led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shane Killeen)

The African Lion 26 real-world biosurveillance office serves as the epicenter of pathogen research during African Lion 26 at Agadir, Morocco, May 2, 2026. The biosurveillance team was composed of U.S. military and research organizations who delivered integrated biosurveillance support, focusing on strengthening commanders’ situational awareness and directly bolstering mission readiness. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF‑AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner‑led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shane Killeen)

Royal Moroccan Armed Forces service members attend the Assess, Advise, Advocate, and Integrate Operational Readiness and Sustainment Assessment training during African Lion 26, Agadir, Morocco, May 5, 2026. A3I is a structured methodology designed to evaluate and enhance logistics systems across partner forces. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by SETAF-AF from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Roldan)

Royal Moroccan Armed Forces service members attend the Assess, Advise, Advocate, and Integrate Operational Readiness and Sustainment Assessment training during African Lion 26, Agadir, Morocco, May 5, 2026. A3I is a structured methodology designed to evaluate and enhance logistics systems across partner forces. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by SETAF-AF from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Roldan)

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Mark F. Schoenfeld, deputy commanding general, 79th Theater Sustainment Command, shares logistics insight at the Assess, Advise, Advocate, and Integrate Operational Readiness and Sustainment Assessment during African Lion 26, Agadir, Morocco, May 5, 2026. A3I is a structured methodology designed to evaluate and enhance logistics systems across partner forces. AL26 is U.S. Africa Command's largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by SETAF-AF from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Roldan)