A Qatari Land Force, consisting of a mechanised infantry battalion of the Armed Forces, left here yesterday for Saudi Arabia to participate in ‘Ra’ad Al-Shamal’ manoeuvre which will be carried out at the King Khalid Military City in Hafr Al-Batin.
Ra’ad Al-Shamal or ‘Northern Thunder’ military exercise is the largest of its kind in terms of number of participating countries. Some 20 Arab, Islamic and friendly countries, in addition to the Peninsula Shield forces are taking part.
The three-week massive manoeuver aims at promoting military co-operation between the GCC, Arab and Islamic countries, developing competencies, raising combat readiness, and training the participating forces on using modern military mechanisms.
In a statement before leaving for Saudi Arabia yesterday morning, Qatari Force’s Commander Major Rashid Saleh al-Hajri emphasised the importance of the manoeuvre and the need for co-operation between the friendly countries, adding that this exercise addresses any challenge facing the region.
Al-Hajri said that the Qatari participation will be in different sectors in the field exercises, command centres exercises and tactical exercises.
Land and Air forces of the Qatari Armed Forces will participate in the drills, he added.
He also expressed his pleasure at participating in the manoeuvre along with Saudi Arabia and the Islamic alliance in addition to the Peninsula Shield forces, hoping that the exercise will enhance  co-operation with the friendly countries to achieve peace and security in the region.