Sudanese army participates in regional military maneuvers in Saudi Arabia
February 5, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese army on Friday, announced its participation in joint military manoeuvres to be held in Saudi Arabia, including Arab and Muslim countries participating in the campaign against Houti militants in Yemen.
The military exercise which is the first of its kind in the region include Saudi and Gulf countries, Egypt, Jordanian, Pakistani , and Sudanese armies. Several others countries attend the drill as observers.
Sudanese army spokesperson Ahmed Khalifa al-Shami confirmed in statements to the Turkish news agency Anadolu the participation of Sudanese troops in the “North’s Thunder”.
Al-Shami added that the units participating in the joint operation have already left for Saudi Arabia, but he refused to provide more details about the strength and weaponry of this forces.
On 26 January, Egypt announced its participation in the military manoeuvres saying land, air units and special operations forces are participating in the operation which aims to raise their technical and combat efficiency, particularly, troops deployment and redeployment in the various operational areas.
Sudan’s participation in the regional exercice comes within the framework of its gradual reintegration in the regional alliances, as Khartoum distanced itself from Tehran.
Last week, President Bashir for the first time accused Iran of seeking to spread its Shiite ideology in Sudan, saying it would cause more fragmentations in the already divided east African nation.
(ST)