Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have launched their inaugural joint special forces exercise, "Al-Battar I," with the aim of bolstering military cooperation and identifying areas of shared concern in their defense strategies.

The two-week-long drill is being held at the Cherat military base in northwestern Pakistan. It is the first time that the two countries' special forces have conducted a joint exercise.

The exercise is designed to improve interoperability between the two forces and to share expertise in counterterrorism operations. It will also focus on developing joint tactics and techniques for responding to unconventional threats.

The exercise is part of a broader effort by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to strengthen their defense ties. The two countries have a long history of military cooperation, and they have been working together to counter the threat of terrorism in the region.

The ISPR, Pakistan's military media wing, said that the exercise is "a manifestation of the strong and long-standing defense relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia." It added that the exercise will "further enhance the operational capabilities of the two forces and contribute to regional peace and stability."

The exercise is being conducted by a joint team of Pakistani and Saudi special forces officers and soldiers. It is expected to conclude on September 6, 2023.

In addition to the joint exercise, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have also been working together to develop other defense cooperation initiatives. In recent years, the two countries have signed agreements to purchase military equipment from each other and to train each other's military personnel.

The strengthening of defense ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is seen as a way to counter the growing threat of terrorism in the region. Both countries are located in volatile areas that are prone to terrorist attacks. By working together, they can better protect themselves from these threats. (ILKHA)