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Phoenix Express 26 multilateral naval exercise

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2026-09-18 09:18 UTC → 2026-10-03 11:42 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Tunisia is hosting ‘Phoenix Express 26’, a multilateral naval exercise organized by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in cooperation with Tunisian authorities. Running from September 6 to 18, the maneuver involves approximately 400 military personnel and observers from 13 participating nations, including the United States, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Malta, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, and Georgia. The exercise utilizes five military vessels to enhance regional cooperation and develop joint operational capabilities. Training focuses on combating illicit maritime activities such as terrorism, organized crime, smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. The program includes theoretical and practical training on maritime intelligence, ship inspection, the use of unmanned surface vehicles, and search and rescue operations. Vice Admiral Jeffrey Anderson, commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, ~~noted~~ visited Tunisia on September 16-17, noting that the exercise contributes to the security of the Mediterranean, a region through which roughly 15% of global maritime traffic passes. Tunisian Navy Commodore Rjab Gar Ali stated that the exercise aims to enhance coordination between Mediterranean navies and develop capabilities to combat illicit activities. Parallel to the exercises, a U.S. contract valued at approximately $1 million was awarded for the third phase of the Maritime Excellence Center in Bizerte. This facility serves as a training hub for naval forces and special operations, featuring infrastructure for close combat training, equipment storage, and maritime landing exercises. Analysts suggest this cooperation signals an expansion of the Tunisia-U.S. partnership toward broader Mediterranean security and intelligence coordination, though they note Tunisia maintains its strategic independence regarding foreign bases.

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