[UAH] S. Africa, U.S. forces to conduct joint exercise

S. Africa, U.S. forces to conduct joint exercise

English.news.cn   2013-07-12 07:53:46

CAPE TOWN, July 11 (Xinhua) -- The South African and U. S. armed forces will conduct a joint exercise in Eastern Cape to raise preparedness for intervention in an unstable country, it was announced on Thursday.

The exercise, codenamed Shared Accord 13, is a joint peacekeeping and humanitarian exercise. It is part of the efforts by the U. S. Army Africa (USARAF) to incorporate a partner nation in an exercise prior to going to Africa.

All branches of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) will take part in the exercise that will run from July 24 to August, South African navy Capt. Jaco Theunissen said.

The exercise will involve the army, air force, navy and medical units, with the participation of 5,000 soldiers, according to Theunissen.

"We are exercising to do a human support intervention in an unstable country," said Theunissen.

"What we simulate is what is currently happening in a lot of countries in the world, especially in the African continent.

"You've got warring factions destabilizing the country.... We are exercising the war fight, where you will fight against rebel groups."

Medical units would also practice giving basic medical healthcare to a local population in an unstable warring environment, according to the South African Press Association.

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Gwokto La'Kitgum

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