UNIPATH STAFF
In a nine-day demonstration of tactics by 40 special operations teams from around the world, Jordan’s Annual Warrior Competition 2018 concluded with a triumph by the Black Panthers SWAT team from the Lebanese internal security forces.
The annual event — which tests individual and team skills such as marksmanship, hostage rescue, rappelling, and armed incursions — was held April 29 to May 7 at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC) in Jordan.
It was the second time the Black Panthers took top prize after finishing first in 2016. Over several days, the competition whittled down the competing teams to 15, enlisting them in the “King’s Challenge” on the final day.
The challenge was a 45-minute exercise over harsh terrain that forced participants to overcome obstacles, lift heavy objects and hit targets.
Competitors came from places such as Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
KASOTC, a sleek, multimillion-dollar complex carved into a former stone quarry near Amman, is a favorite training spot for special forces, particularly those originating or serving in the Middle East. Training focuses on counterterrorism operations and is inclusive enough to involve units from militaries, paramilitaries and law enforcement.
The competition’s closing ceremony was attended by Jordan Armed Forces Army Inspector General Maj. Gen. Mohammad Sabaileh and KASOTC General Director Col. Osama Al Zoubi.
Sources: Jordan News Agency-Petra, Army Recognition, Jane’s Information Group