TEXT: NIAMEY, Niger – U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Marcus Hicks, commander, Special Operations Command Africa, is interviewed by local media after the opening ceremony of Flintlock 2018 in Niamey, Niger, April 11, 2018. Flintlock, hosted by Niger, with key outstations at Burkina Faso and Senegal, is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, protect their borders, and provide security for their people. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Heather Doppke/79th Theater Sustainment Command)