Saudi Arabia condemns Iraq’s deadly rocket attacks which killed US contractor

US troops stand to attention in front of American and Iraqi (R) flags during a handover ceremony in Kirkuk province. (File/AFP)
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Updated 31 December 2019
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Saudi Arabia condemns Iraq’s deadly rocket attacks which killed US contractor

  • The attack involved as many as 30 rockets

DUBAI/WASHIGNTON: Saudi Arabia condemned the rocket attack which killed a US defense contractor and wounded several American and Iraqi troops, state news agency SPA reported on Tuesday.

The statement from the Kingdom added that the terror attacks violated the sovereignty of Iraq.

The attack happened on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in northern Iraq, US officials said.
According to officials, the attack saw as many as 30 rockets fired at the Iraqi military compound near Kirkuk, where US service members are also based.
Officials did not provide the exact number of troops wounded in the attack or the severity of the injuries.

They spoke on condition of anonymity to describe details before they were made public.
Such attacks have taken place on several occasions over the past few months, with US officials for the most part blaming Iran-backed fighters.
Iraq has been roiled since Oct. 1 by protests that have left more than 450 people dead, the vast majority of them demonstrators killed by security forces firing tear gas and live ammunition.

The mass uprisings prompted the resignation of former Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi late last month.


Jordan begins implementing Royal directives to modernize Arab Army

Updated 11 sec ago
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Jordan begins implementing Royal directives to modernize Arab Army

  • On Saturday, it was reported that King Abdullah had announced the strategy

AMMAN: Jordan’s Armed Forces have begun implementing royal directives from King Abdullah II aimed at restructuring and modernizing the Arab Army to strengthen its operational readiness and ability to meet evolving security challenges, it was announced on Sunday.

The overhaul is designed to sharpen combat capabilities and establish a streamlined, flexible force equipped to operate across varied environments, while adapting to the demands of modern and unconventional warfare, the Jordan News Agency reported.

The directives called for closer alignment between organizational structures and operational needs, alongside upgrades to command, control and communications systems. 

They also urged stronger integration across military branches and units, as well as expanded use of advanced technologies, including unmanned systems and cyber capabilities.

Plans also include reinforcing reserve forces, improving logistics to ensure reliable supply chains, and supporting Jordan’s defense industries to enhance self-sufficiency and efficiency.

In a statement, the Jordanian Armed Forces said they were fully committed to carrying out the royal directives as part of a broader strategic vision to raise professionalism and preparedness.

On Saturday, it was reported that King Abdullah had announced a strategy “to achieve a structural transformation in the armed forces over the course of the next three years,” Petra said.

In a letter to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the King wrote: “Our Arab Army is a national institution that every Jordanian is proud of.”

“We must examine the requirements for modernizing and developing our Armed Forces, while restructuring them to keep pace with combat demands within various environments of operation,” the king wrote. 

The king also said the army must have sufficient reserve forces reinforced with the necessary capabilities.

“Our Armed Forces must have sufficient reserve forces, equipped with the various needed capabilities to execute their operations efficiently.”