‘Iron Union 5’ Continues as Joint UAE-US Military Drill Promotes International Cooperation

UAE and US ground forces continue military exercises, Asharq Al-Awsat
UAE and US ground forces continue military exercises, Asharq Al-Awsat
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‘Iron Union 5’ Continues as Joint UAE-US Military Drill Promotes International Cooperation

UAE and US ground forces continue military exercises, Asharq Al-Awsat
UAE and US ground forces continue military exercises, Asharq Al-Awsat

The joint military drill between UAE and US ground forces has continued as part of their efforts to consolidate their bilateral relations and exchange their training and military expertise, to raise the combat efficiency and readiness of both armies.

Codenamed "Iron Union 5," the joint military exercise is an extension of a series of "Iran Claw" exercises, which fall under the plans and programs of the UAE ground forces to conduct such exercises with friendly countries, to exchange and develop their skills and enhance the combat readiness of their personnel, according to the latest advanced military systems.

Major General Saleh al-Amiri, commander of UAE ground forces, said the exercise is greatly important for developing and strengthening bilateral relations between the UAE and the US, particularly in the military and defense fields, raising efficiency and combat readiness, and exchanging military expertise.

He pointed out that the implementation of a number of joint exercises with friendly countries is a result of keenness of concerned authorities to raise the level of performance and efficiency of armed forces and to work in a team spirit with the armies of brotherly and friendly countries.

Such a move embodies a clear strategy aimed at improving the overall level and combat readiness of UAE armed forces.

During the visit, the commander of the ground forces met with a number of officers and members of the UAE and US ground forces and listened to brief tasks and duties carried out during the course of the exercise.

The "Iron Union 5," which was launched on the ground of the UAE on September 16, will last for several days. It includes the implementation of a number of tasks and duties to train, plan, execute and manage joint operations between different units of land forces in both countries and achieve the desired goal in facing challenges and crises which the world is witnessing today.

The exercise is also part of the vision of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the monitoring of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to upgrade the capabilities and boost the readiness of the UAE armed forces.

The exercise will also allow both armies to promote their international cooperation in joint military operations, to address current global challenges and crises.



Saudi Crown Prince, French President Discuss Regional Developments 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, French President Discuss Regional Developments 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received on Monday a telephone call from French President Emmanuel Macron.

They discussed regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to achieve security and stability.

They reviewed bilateral relations and the existing cooperation between their two countries in a number of fields, in addition to discussing several issues of common interest.


Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of Tareq Al Suwaidan

Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 
Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 
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Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of Tareq Al Suwaidan

Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 
Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 

Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of 24 people, including prominent preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan, according to an official decree published in the Kuwait Al-Youm gazette.

Decree No. 227 of 2025 stated that Al Suwaidan’s Kuwaiti nationality, along with that of any dependents who obtained it through him, is to be withdrawn.

The decree was issued from Seif Palace and signed by the Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, upon the recommendation of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and after Cabinet approval.

The order did not cite the legal grounds for the decision, though Kuwaiti authorities have previously said citizenship may be revoked in cases involving fraud, criminal activity or threats to state security.

About 60,000 people have been stripped of nationality since the establishment of the Higher Committee for Citizenship Affairs in Kuwait.

Born in 1953, Al Suwaidan is rather considered a media figure affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood than as a thinker and researcher in Islamic history and personal development.

He moved to the United States at age 17, where he spent two decades and earned a PhD.

Earlier, Al Suwaidan has faced accusations of insulting sister countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

On July 30, 2024, the Criminal Court has acquitted Al Suwaidan of insulting the two states, but the Public Prosecutor later appealed the verdict

 


‘Islamic Coalition’ Launches Training to Bolster Tactical Intelligence Capabilities

The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)
The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)
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‘Islamic Coalition’ Launches Training to Bolster Tactical Intelligence Capabilities

The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)
The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) launched in Riyadh on Sunday its specialized program titled “Tactical Intelligence,” with the participation of 22 trainees from 11 member states.

Offered by Saudi Arabia, the program includes a set of advanced training modules covering the concept and cycle of tactical intelligence, decision-making support requirements, as well as information analysis methods, said IMCTC.

The five-day program, running from December 7 to 11, aims to develop participants’ skills in intelligence analysis, assessing intelligence and supporting military operations to counter modern security challenges.

Participating countries include Burkina Faso, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Jordan, Nigeria, Guinea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Morocco, Pakistan and Senegal.

IMCTC Secretary General Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Moghedi said the training is part of a strategic vision that aims to build sustainable abilities and raise the readiness of military cadres of the member countries to boost their capabilities in countering challenges and various terrorist threats.

He praised the support from Saudi Arabia, where the IMCTC is based, saying the training programs are being fully funded by the Kingdom, which underscores is pioneering role and firm commitment to supporting security and stability.