Amman, June 9 (Petra) — The Jordan Armed Forces on Sunday announced the start of a major military exercise with the participation of 8,000 soldiers from 19 countries and said the drill, which will for two weeks, has nothing to do with regional developments.
Operations Chief-of-Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces, Gen. Awni al-Adwan, told a joint press conference with US Major General Robert G. Catalanotti, that the "Eager Lion" drill, which is held in Jordan for a third consecutive year, will focus on irregular warfare, like combating terrorism, insurgency and borders security.
Al-Adwan highlighted the main types of weapons and activities that will be used and employed during the exercise, including close air support, defensive operations, combat skills in residential areas and fighting all kinds of insurgency.
He told reporters that the exercises have nothing to do with any regional developments, saying :"Jordan has enough military capability to protect its territory skies, and waters."
He added that keeping U.S. Patriot missiles and troops on Jordanian territory is a mere political decision.
US Major General, Robert G. Catalanotti, hailed significant role of the Jordan Armed Forces in hosting and providing all facilities for the maneuvers.
He said that the drill, which is held under the direct supervision of the Jordan Armed Forces, will contribute in developing the military capabilities of all participating countries.
Countries that announced their participation in Eager Lion include Britain, Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, France, Iraq, Italy, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
//Petra// AA
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