Kuwait's defense minister oversees end of large-scale military drill

KUWAIT, Feb 21 (KUNA) -- Kuwait on Wednesday closed the curtain on a major military exercise involving its armed forces and the US army, in an event attended and sponsored by Kuwaiti First Deputy Premier and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The Kuwaiti army put on a show of military might in a drill christened, " Al-Bairaq 7", which Major General Sheikh Khaled Al-Sabah described as an all-inclusive exercise that engages various components of the armed forces.
He went on to say that the purpose of such drills was to ensure complete preparedness to respond to any internal or external threats, noting that the exercise would help boost productivity and cohesion within the army.
Meanwhile, Kuwait's interior ministry said it was proud to have taken part in the drill, with its undersecretary Lieutenant General Mahmoud Al-Dosari pointing out that such activities provide an opportunity to capitalize on core strengths.
He applauded the military, police and National Guard for working like a well-oiled machine, saying the three protection bodies represent a formidable trio that keeps security intact.
The National Guard's Undersecretary Lieutenant General Hashim Al-Refai said the drill allowed participants the chance to apply military concepts and principles.
Al-Refai highlighted the need to hold similar exercises on a regular basis in a bid to develop greater camaraderie among the country's military institutions.
The "Al-Bairaq 7" drill is a focal point of the Kuwaiti military's annual agenda, allowing the armed forces the chance to put their prowess on display and share their knowhow with one another. (end) ns.nam