Saudi Arabia launches military exercise with 20 nations

[Sdiver]

Need to keep an eye on this one ....

Saudi Arabia launches military exercise with 20 nations

(CNN)Saudi Arabia launched a massive military exercise that will include troops from 20 nations, state media reported Monday.

The drill, dubbed North Thunder, involves Arab and Muslim countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency. It's taking place in King Khalid Military City in northeastern Saudi Arabia.

The news agency did not provide much information on what the exercise entails but called it "the largest in the region's history." The agency said it will involve air, sea and land forces.
Will Saudi Arabia send ground troops to Syria?

In addition to Saudi Arabia, other participating nations include Jordan, Bahrain, Senegal, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Kuwait, the Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Chad, Tunisia, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Malaysia, Egypt, Mauritania and Mauritius.

"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 agency said.

The announcement comes two months after Saudi Arabia said it will form a coalition of 34 nations to fight terrorism.

Saudi Arabia is part of a group striking ISIS militants in Syria, but its involvement in that U.S.-led campaign appears to be drawing down.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/15/middle...ses/index.html