# U.S. Special Forces trains Mozambican Marines

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2021/03/u-s-special-forces-trains-mozambican-marines/
- Published: 2021-03-17T11:36:03+01:00
- Author: Sarah Lesedi

U.S. Special Operations Forces and Marines of the Mozambican Defence Force on March
15 launched a two-month Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) training program.

The Joint Combined Exchange Training aims to support Mozambique’s efforts in combatting
the spread of terrorism and violent extremism, says a statement by AFRICOM.

Mozambican Marines will largely benefit from the experience and knowledge of US 
Special Forces in low-intensity and counter-insurgence warfare.

U.S. Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA) Deputy Commander Colonel Richard
Schmidt represented the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) during the opening ceremony,
while Major General Ramiro Ramos Tulcidás represented the Government of Mozambique.

In addition to training, the U.S. government provided medical and communications
equipment.

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According to the statement, “The United States priorities the respect for human 
rights, protection of civilians, and engagement with civil society in all security
assistance. The United States is committed to supporting Mozambique with a multifaceted
and holistic approach to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism and violent
extremism. This approach addresses socioeconomic development issues as well as the
security situation. Civilian protection, human rights, and community engagement 
are central to U.S. cooperation and are foundational to effectively counter the 
Islamic State in Mozambique.”

This latest military assistance could see a more robust American intervention in
wartorn Mozambique including combat casualty care, planning, logistics as well as
intelligence assistance.

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[Dyck Advisory Group (DAG) from South Africa](https://www.military.africa/2020/04/south-african-mercenarys-gazelle-helicopter-shot-down-in-mozambique),
are providing security training and services to the Mozambique military forces. 
A recent Amnesty International report accused South African mercenaries in Mozambique
of possible war crimes and the indiscriminate killing of civilians.

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At the onset of the crises, the French Navy [deployed its amphibious helicopter carrier Tonnerre and surveillance frigate Nivose to Mozambique](https://www.military.africa/2019/04/french-navy-helicopter-carrier-tonnerre-and-frigate-nivose-arrives-mozambique).
Both vessels delivered humanitarian cargo to Beira, which was badly affected by 
Cyclone Idai in mid-March

On board Tonnerre a section of the 1st foreign regiment of engineers (1st REG) equipped
with heavy equipment, as well as a detachment from the Marine Tank Infantry Regiment(
RICM) with multiple vehicles. Two Gazelle helicopters from the 3rd Combat Helicopter
Regiment were part of the Task Force.

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