Saudi Arabia, together with troops from about 20 other Arab and Muslim nations, have launched the largest military exercise ever organized in the region. Dubbed "North Thunder" maneuvers the exercises are set to run from February 14 to March 6 at the King Khalid Military City in northeastern Saudi Arabia, according to Big News Network.
The forces participating in the exercise come from numerous countries, including land, air, and naval forces from Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Morocco and Egypt, to name a few.
"North Thunder drills represent a clear message that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its brothers and friends of the participating countries stand united to confront all challenges and maintain peace and stability in the region," the Saudi Press Agency said, according to CNN.
Qatari Force's Commander, Major Rashid Saleh Al Hajri emphasized that the exercises are extremely pertinent, in order to show that unity and military might of the Arab and Muslim nations in the region.
The exercises will involve a number of military maneuvers, which involve field exercises, command center exercises and tactical exercises. Overall, the operations are designed to send a strong statement about the ongoing cooperation to achieve peace and security among friendly countries in the region, reports Emirates 24/7.
Northern Thunder comes just two months after Saudi Arabia announced that it would take it upon itself to create a coalition of 34 nations that is powerful enough to effectively end the reign of terrorism.
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