A U.S. Special Forces operator looks on as a Chadian Special Forces soldier takes aim. Exercise Flintlock focused on small arms tactical training in Mao on February 22, 2015.
A U.S. Special Forces operator looks on as a Chadian Special Forces soldier takes aim. Exercise Flintlock focused on small arms tactical training in Mao on February 22, 2015.
Brent Swails/CNN
Nigerian Navy Special Forces run through drills under the training of British Special Forces.
Nigerian Navy Special Forces run through drills under the training of British Special Forces.
Brent Swails/CNN
A U.S. Special Forces Operator walks toward a recently landed C130 cargo plane. In just a few short weeks, this barren stretch of Sahel was turned into a functioning military outpost.
A U.S. Special Forces Operator walks toward a recently landed C130 cargo plane. In just a few short weeks, this barren stretch of Sahel was turned into a functioning military outpost.
Brent Swails/CNN
A man looks on as a U.S. Air Force C130 touches down.
A man looks on as a U.S. Air Force C130 touches down.
Brent Swails/CNN
Members of the Nigerian Navy's Special Boat Services Unit cook a meal over an open fire. By day, temperatures in Mao rose to approximately 35 degrees celsius (95 degrees fahrenheit), making evenings the only time to relax.
Members of the Nigerian Navy's Special Boat Services Unit cook a meal over an open fire. By day, temperatures in Mao rose to approximately 35 degrees celsius (95 degrees fahrenheit), making evenings the only time to relax.
Brent Swails/CNN
CNN photographer Brice Laine works under a mosquito net in a makeshift edit suite during Exercise Flintlock.
CNN photographer Brice Laine works under a mosquito net in a makeshift edit suite during Exercise Flintlock.
Brent Swails/CNN
CNN correspondent Arwa Damon interviews Chadian Captain Zakaria Madaga at his unit's camp. "If you have this kind of training you can defend yourself from death," says Madaga.
CNN correspondent Arwa Damon interviews Chadian Captain Zakaria Madaga at his unit's camp. "If you have this kind of training you can defend yourself from death," says Madaga.
Brent Swails/CNN