‘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
TT

‘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 National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
TT

Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology warned on Friday of heavy rains in Makkah and Al-Jumum Governorate including the centers of Rahat and Madrakah.

The rain will be accompanied by strong winds, lack of horizontal visibility, hail, torrents, and thunderstorms.

It said the weather conditions will continue until Friday night.

Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, in cooperation with other government agencies working in the Grand Mosque, intensified cleaning and drying of the Mataf area (circumambulation track) after the rainfall witnessed in Makkah on Thursday to ensure the safety and security of worshippers and Umrah performers.

The authority mobilized more than 200 supervisors and observers, 4,000 workers, and more than 500 pieces of equipment to deal with the rain.

To ensure the thoroughness of the cleaning process, water suction and washing equipment were strategically distributed both inside and outside the Grand Mosque.