Dubai: An official source at the Saudi Ministry of Defence announced that a non-commissioned officer died and three other officers sustained injuries during live-ammunition shooting exercises related to the Saudi-Pakistani Al Samsam 5 excerises currently taking place at a training field in the north of Baha region.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, the source added that the injured are in stable condition.
The exercises began in late March.
The director of the war games, Brigadier Shaeh Bin Abdullah Al Qarni, was quoted by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) as saying that the exercises come as an extension of a series of joint-exercises between Royal Saudi Land Forces and a group of forces from brotherly and friendly countries, including the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
He was cited in the Pakistani press as saying the exercises would focus on war in difficult mountainous terrain environments and irregular operations, noting that participants in the exercise include the Royal Saudi Air Forces, Land Forces and units of the Border Guards. In a statement, Military Region Taif Commander Major General Faris Bin Abdullah Al Omari said the exercises have been prepared in advance and programmed within the range of strategic plans for training and the development of the efficiency of Saudi forces.
- with inputs from WAM
