Troops from Saudi Arabia and allied nations on Thursday concluded major military exercises seen as a display of strength by the oil-rich kingdom, which is leading a military campaign against Iranian-allied rebels in Yemen.
Forces from 20 countries took part in the final exercises of the manoeuvres codenamed “North Thunder,” which started in mid-February in the north-eastern Saudi town of Hafr al-Batin.
Saudi King Salman was joined by the leaders of the countries that participated in the drills, including Egypt, Djibouti, Kuwait, Mauritania, Qatar, Pakistan, Senegal and Sudan.
Saudi media described the exercises as the biggest in the region’s history.
According to media reports, they focused on tackling terrorist groups and employing non-conventional combat methods.
In recent months, tensions have escalated between Saudi Arabia and its regional rival Iran, while, Riyadh and Tehran backed opposite sides in ongoing wars in Syria and Yemen.