Defence minister, army chief in Saudi Arabia to observe military drill
The ‘Thunder of the North’ is the first military exercise by the Saudi-led Islamic military alliance formed in December to combat terrorist organisations. The Maldives is among some 34 nations that joined the coalition.
09 Mar 2016, 9:00 AM
Defence Minister Adam Shareef departed for Saudi Arabia last night to attend the closing ceremony of the ‘Northern Thunder’ military exercise, as a special envoy of President Abdulla Yameen.
The Northern Thunder operation is the first military drill conducted by the Saudi-led Islamic alliance formed to combat terrorist organisations. The Maldives is among some 34 mainly Muslim nations that joined the coalition in December.
The defence minister is accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Major General Ahmed Shiyam on the four-day official visit.
According to the president’s office, the King of Saudi Arabia extended an invitation to observe the final part of the military drill, due to take place tomorrow at the King Khalid Military City.
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