Al-Shihab signifies joint effort of Pak, Saudi Arabia against terrorism: COAS

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif visited the National Counter Terrorism Center, Pabbi near Jhelum on Friday and witnessed the culmination of Pak-Saudi Joint Training Exercise ‘Al-Shihab,’ said an ISPR statement.

According to the ISPR, Al-Shihab focused on counter terrorism training of the special operation forces of Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which included cordon and search operations, airdropping and heli-lifting of special forces for operations against terrorist acts and their hideouts.

The COAS said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong and brotherly relations which have a long history of deep rooted cooperation.

While meeting the participating troops, he appreciated their dedication, motivation and professionalism.

Gen Sharif further said that, “This exercise signifies the joint effort of our two nations against terrorism and Insha’Allah we will defeat this menace in all its forms and manifestations.”

He reiterated that any threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia will evoke a strong response from Pakistan.

A six member high level Saudi military delegation headed by General Mufleh Bin Saleem Al-Otaibi, Commander Special Forces of Saudi Arabia was also present on the occasion.

Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Lieutenant General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Inspector General Training and Evaluation.