ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia held a week-long joint military exercise in the Saudi city of Tabuk from November 18 to 26, focusing on urban combat, counterterrorism operations and tactical drills, the Pakistan Army said on Wednesday.
Combat teams from the Pakistan Army’s elite Special Services Group (SSG) and the Saudi Arabian army took part in the Al Battar-II exercise, demonstrating operational skills and enhancing interoperability, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The drills come against the backdrop of deepening security cooperation between the two allies. In September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, under which an attack on either country is considered an attack on both, marking one of the most significant defense pacts in their recent history.
“Al Battar-II focused on enhancing joint proficiency in counterterrorism operations, with particular emphasis on fighting in built-up areas, countering improvised explosive devices and refining tactical drills and procedures through integrated training,” the ISPR said in a statement.
The military’s media wing said the exercise was aimed at strengthening the “deep-rooted and historic military-to-military ties” between the two nations.
