The United States has intensified its military cooperation with Morocco through a comprehensive program aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to neutralize explosive hazards.
This initiative forms part of a broader effort by the US to develop sustainable local expertise across the Maghreb, extending beyond arms sales to include training in maritime security, cyber defense, and logistics.
The latest joint project, conducted with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and United States Africa Command, focused on Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
The training cycle was designed not as a one-off exercise but to equip Morocco with the ability to independently manage the risks associated with explosive remnants of war, in line with international safety standards.
“The approach combined theoretical courses on detonation mechanisms, doctrinal work to establish clear procedures, and practical field exercises to test know-how in near-real-life conditions,” officials said.
Initiated in 2016, the program has fostered close collaboration between Moroccan and American instructors, creating a framework that ensures the skills developed are both durable and effective.
Explosive remnants, whether left over from past conflicts or resulting from military accidents, pose a persistent threat to communities and critical infrastructure.
Unmarked minefields can render agricultural land unusable and make everyday travel dangerous. By enhancing its EOD capabilities, Morocco is bolstering the safety of its citizens and securing strategic areas.
For the United States, supporting Morocco in building internal expertise serves a dual purpose: it strengthens regional stability while reinforcing a key alliance in North Africa. For Morocco, the program highlights its leadership in security and military cooperation, demonstrating its ability to manage specialized threats with local resources.
This initiative exemplifies a shared commitment to transforming the fight against explosive hazards into a locally controlled mission. “Mines and unexploded ordnance do not disappear by themselves, but with trained experts, they cease to be inevitable and become a problem that can be anticipated and neutralized,” officials noted.
Through this cooperation, Morocco is not only safeguarding its population but also reinforcing the wider stability of the Maghreb region.
About The Author
