On June 3, 2024, the Sahel region of West Africa witnessed a significant milestone in regional military cooperation as Togo officially joined the Sahel Alliance military operation set to continue for several weeks. This development was marked by the largescale exercise Taranal, a term that signifies "love of the homeland." This intensive and comprehensive exercise aimed to bolster the operational capabilities of the participating armies, fostering a multinational environment to combat armed terrorist groups, transnational banditry, and other emergent threats.
In this video we look at how these forces are engaging in rigorous drills, set to simulate thirty different scenarios. These include ambushes, assaults, responses to improvised explosive devices, and providing aid to wounded soldiers in combat situations.

The cornerstone of the exercise Taranal was the pooling of resources to address the pervasive threat of terrorism. The operation involved over 15,000 soldiers from the armies of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Chad.

The participating units demonstrate exceptional performance throughout the exercise. This joint effort serves as a critical preparation for operational readiness, highlighting the level of complementarity among the diverse forces. The ability to work seamlessly in a multinational environment is crucial for addressing common security challenges in the region.

Military units undergo different ambush simulations. These exercises test their ability to detect and counter surprise attacks from enemy forces. Soldiers practice immediate defensive actions, communication protocols, and coordinated counterattacks. These scenarios are critical in honing their quick response capabilities and ensuring minimal casualties.

other scenarios focused on direct assaults. Troops practice advancing on enemy positions, both in urban and rural settings. These drills include breaching operations, closequarters combat, and coordinated attacks involving infantry, armored units, and air support. The exercises emphasize the importance of precision, teamwork, and effective use of cover.