Credit: U.S. Africa Command  /  U.S. delivers specialized vehicles to Moroccan Special Operations Forces valued at more than $1,000,000  May 6, 2020 / RABAT, Morocco.

By Gary Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

The United States transferred ownership of 21 specialized vehicles to the Moroccan Forces Armées Royale Special Operations Company (MSOF) valued at more than  $1 million last week, U.S. Africa Command announced.  The transfer of the vehicles culminates three years of close cooperation to train and equip the MSOF company through an $18 million grant,  according to AFRICOM.  The vehicles were Toyota Land Cruiser models that were  delivered with containers of spare parts.   AFRICOM said the delivery of vehicles marks a “critical step”  to enhance the company’s capacity to conduct special operations and internal company command and control by the end of this year.

“It’s never lost on us that in 1777, as the United States fought for independence, Morocco emerged as the first country to recognize our new nation. Our friendship, established over two centuries ago, remains strong with Morocco, a premiere security partner, providing regional leadership through exercises, training programs, and counterterrorism cooperation. This vehicle transfer demonstrates our mutual commitment and shared values.”

-U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Steven deMilliano, Deputy Director, Strategy, Engagement, and Programs Directorate, United States Africa Command.

Credit: AFRICOM /  U.S. delivers specialized vehicles to Moroccan Special Operations Forces May 6, 2020 / RABAT, Morocco. The vehicles were Toyota Land Cruiser models that were  delivered with containers of spare parts

The MSOF has extensive training experience with multiple U.S. Special Operations units, according to AFRICOM.    “We applaud the professionalism, discipline, and dedication of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and Inspector General Abdelfatah Louarak,” said US Ambassador to Morocco David T. Fischer, “and we are proud to partner with Morocco in the development of the Moroccan Special Operations Company.”

US AFRICOM   is one of six of the U.S. Defense Department’s geographic combatant commands and is responsible to the Secretary of Defense for military relations with African nations, the African Union, and African regional security organizations.    Headquartered at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany,  AFRICOM began initial operations on Oct. 1, 2007, and officially became fully operational capable on Oct. 1, 2008.