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Saudi-Jordanian Joint Military Drill Concluded | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Saudi-Jordanian Joint Military Drill (SPA)


Jubail – Saudi-Jordanian joint maritime military exercise “Abdallah 5” successfully concluded on Tuesday. The military maneuvers, which were held in the eastern fleet in Jubail, included drills with live ammunition with the participation of Royal Saudi Naval Special Forces and Royal Jordanian Naval Special Forces.

The exercises concluded in the presence of Director of Eastern Fleet Operations Admiral Lafi bin Hussein al-Harbi and commander of the Royal Jordanian Naval Special Forces Commander Adnan Ahmed Alwan.

The maneuvers lasted for three weeks during which the participants from both sides were trained on thwarting terrorist operations and a number of military hypotheses.

Admiral Harbi said that the joint “Abdullah 5” exercise implemented between Royal Saudi Naval Special Forces and Royal Jordanian Naval Special Forces is an extension of a series of exercises carried out simultaneously in the two countries, aiming at increasing cooperation and raising combat readiness.

Harbi added that “Abdallah 5” would lead to the exchange of expertise between the two countries.

“One of the most important hypotheses executed was training on traditional and non-traditional special operations, which included helicopter rope suspension operations, the use of speed boats, use of reconnaissance aircraft, training in counter-terrorism field, and training on mine clearance using the latest devices, in addition to exercise on dealing with new explosives and blunted ammunition,” said Harbi.

The admiral pointed out that both navies participating in the drill are at the highest level of competence to execute operations required.

Lt. Alwan said that the exercise is a chance to enhance joint cooperation, exchange experiences, and develop military skills.

“Current wars are unconventional and require a level of coordination to execute security operations,” Alwan added. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia’s security is an integral part of Jordan’s security and vice versa.

He indicated that both Saudi and Jordanian forces participating in the exercise are highly trained and professional. He also stated that they started planning for a new exercise to be executed in 2018 based on possible goals and threats.

Eastern Fleet Naval Lt. Thafer al-Omari said the drill focused on special operations that require the utmost readiness to be executed, adding that this and other exercises reflect the Saudi leadership’s support to the armed forces.

“Abdallah 5” maneuver began on March 18 and is the 5th version of the exercises that began in 2012. It is part of a series of joint drills between the two countries.