Military maneuver planned in S. Arabia
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Saudi security forces take part in a military parade in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, September 17, 2015. (Photo by AP)
Thousands of soldiers from regional countries are set to participate in a military maneuver in Saudi Arabia, media reports say.
Saudi media said some 350,000 forces from the Persian Gulf Arab states and a number of other countries will take part in the Saudi-led military maneuver in the area of Hafer al-Batin in northern Saudi Arabia.
According to Press TV, some 2,540 warplanes, 20,000 tanks and 460 helicopters will also participate in North Thunder.
In 18 days of maneuvers, the airspace over northern Saudi Arabia will be closed.
Media reports say the maneuver, dubbed “North Thunder,” will be the largest throughout the history of the region.
Egypt, Sudan, Pakistan and Persian Gulf Arab states are among the 25 countries that will take part in the military exercises.
The maneuver comes at a sensitive time after Saudi Arabia announced readiness to participate in any ground incursion in Syria if the US-led coalition decides to start such an operation.
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