RABAT, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Morocco and the United States on Monday launched the annual "African Lion" joint military exercise with the participation of other foreign troops.

       This 18th edition drill sees the participation of 10 countries including those outside Africa, as well as some 20 military observers, Morocco news agency MAP said.

       It will be conducted in the Moroccan towns and cities of Agadir, Ben Guerir, Kenitra, Mahbes, Taroudant and Tantan until June 30, it added.

       The U.S. Armed Forces Central Command for Africa said on June 10 that the exercise will also execute in Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia.

       The drill includes a joint task force command post-exercise, a combined arms live-fire exercise and a maritime exercise, according to the U.S. African command.

       It also includes special forces operations, airborne operations, civil-military actions, exercises against weapons of mass destruction and medical evacuation, the agency added.