UNIPATH STAFF
Bahrain marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of its military with a multinational live-fire demonstration in Manama involving troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The February 2018 “Power of Determination” joint mobilization drill was conducted by the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) in the presence of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, supreme commander of the Armed Forces.
The king’s guests included then Saudi Chief of Staff Gen. Abdulrahman bin Salah Al Banyan, Emirati Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, and Peninsula Shield Joint Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Walid bin Falah Al Dhaheri.
As King Hamad watched the forces carry out precise drills, he praised their high professionalism and morale and urged them to continue the fight against terrorism.
“Challenges facing the region require rallying ranks and constant readiness,” the king said.
Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, deputy supreme commander of the Armed Forces, also attended the exercise, as did other royal family members and Bahraini dignitaries.
To celebrate the anniversary, Royal Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa presented as a gift to the king a military car used by the BDF in 1985.
The king paid homage to his father, the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, for laying the groundwork for the BDF and Bahrain’s prosperity. Sources: Asharq Al-Awsat, Emirates News Agency-WAM, News of Bahrain