The second phase of ‘Gulf Shield 1’ concluded in the east of Saudi Arabia on Saturday

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Photo showing special forces units in sweeping manoeuvre as part of ‘Gulf Shield 1’ phase two training in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Photo showing units from Saudi Arabia and 23 other countries complete ‘Gulf Shield 1’ phase two training in the Eastern Province. (SPA)
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Photo showing units from Saudi Arabia and 23 other countries complete ‘Gulf Shield 1’ phase two training in the Eastern Province. (SPA)
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Photo showing F-16 fighter taxying in an air field in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia as part of ‘Gulf Shield 1’. (SPA)
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Photo showing a camouflaged sniper in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province as part of ‘Gulf Shield 1 exercise. (SPA)
Updated 07 April 2018
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The second phase of ‘Gulf Shield 1’ concluded in the east of Saudi Arabia on Saturday

London: 24 countries participated in the exercise, which included air, land and navy units in addition to air defense systems and special forces unit carrying out mock scenarios to attack and control huge areas of alleged enemy territory.

The aim of the maneuver was to ensure effective coordination between multi-national units from the 24 countries to maintain peace and security against modern adversaries — be it classic warfare or war operations against a non-state threat.

The exercise is considered one of the biggest in the region for the number of troops taking part in it. And is similar to operations like ‘Desert Storm’ in 1990-1991, and ‘Northern Thunder’ that took place in ‘Hafr Al Batin’ region in Saudi Arabia in 2016.

The Saudi Arabian-led exercise aimed to show the capability of Kingdom forces to plan and execute intricate military planing to manage seamless operation in various theaters of conflictusing the most developed communication and mapping technology to operate modern weapon systems.

Four of the participating armies are classified part of the ten most important armed forces in the world. The exercise demonstrated the 24 armed forces’ ability to liaise and operate in real time to attack missile launching sites, naval coastal control and protection, in addition to special forces’ lightning attacks, village door-to-door sweeps as well as clearing vital installations after an unconventional munitions attack.


Syrian foreign minister congratulates Saudi counterpart on Founding Day

Updated 24 February 2026
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Syrian foreign minister congratulates Saudi counterpart on Founding Day

  • Asaad Al-Shaibani and Prince Faisal bin Farhan also discuss developments in Syria and the wider region, as well as bilateral cooperation
  • This year’s Founding Day marked the 299th anniversary of the establishment of the First Saudi State

RIYADH: Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, on Monday congratulated his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, on Founding Day, which this year marked the 299th anniversary of the establishment of the First Saudi State.

During their telephone conversation the ministers also discussed the latest developments in Syria and the wider region, along with ways in which they might strengthen bilateral relations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and highlighted the need for regional stability and security, the Syrian Arab News Agency said.

Founding Day, which was introduced in 2022, is celebrated each year on Feb. 22 and marks the founding of the First Saudi State in 1727.