Jordan, U.S army forces conduct training drills in Zarqa

Record ID: 102179

  • Title: Jordan, U.S army forces conduct training drills in Zarqa
  • Date: 24th May 2016
  • Summary: ZARQA, JORDAN (MAY 24, 2016) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF TANKS SEEN IN THE DESERT VARIOUS OF ARMY PERSONNEL GATHERED AND PARKED VEHICLES DIRECTOR OF EXERCISE AND TRAINING DIVISION AT U.S CENTRAL COMMAND, MAJOR GENERAL RALPH GROOVER, SPEAKING TO THE PRESS (SOUNDBITE) (English) DIRECTOR OF EXERCISE AND TRAINING DIVISION AT U.S CENTRAL COMMAND, MAJOR GENERAL RALPH GROOVER, SAYING: "The 'Eager Lion' exercise is one of the most important exercises, it's our premiere exercise for the region. But it's a demonstration of the commitment to the relationship we have with Jordan, not only military to military relationship, but our nation's commitment to Jordan and our relationship together." DIRECTOR OF JOINT MILITARY TRAINING AT THE JORDANIAN ARMED FORCES, BRIGADIER GENERAL FAHED DAMEN STANDING WITH OTHER SOLDIERS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) DIRECTOR OF JOINT MILITARY TRAINING AT THE JORDANIAN ARMED FORCES, BRIGADIER GENERAL FAHED DAMEN, SAYING: "Threats exist, both from the Islamic State and other extremist groups. God willing we will face them with strength and decisiveness, and we will not allow anyone to come close to the borders of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Jordanian Armed Forces and the security apparatus are able to protect Jordan, both its borders and its people." ARMOURED VEHICLES CROSSING OVER A ROAD INTO THE DESERT VARIOUS OF ARMOURED VEHICLES DRIVING THROUGH THE DESERT ENGULFED IN DUST VARIOUS OF MILITARY PLANES FLYING OVERHEAD TANKS TRAVELLING THROUGH THE DESERT ARMY OFFICIALS WATCHING THE TRAINING DRILLS VARIOUS OF VEHICLES IN THE DESERT ON TRAINING EXERCISES
  • Embargoed: 8th June 2016 15:09
  • Keywords: drills military exercise desert training army Jordan US America troops
  • Location: ZARQA, JORDAN
  • City: ZARQA, JORDAN
  • Country: Jordan
  • Topics: Government/Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA0014J644ZR
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Jordanian and American soldiers took part in a live fire drill during the 'Eager Lion' exercises on Tuesday (May 24), at a Jordanian military base in Zarqa.
    The training will enable soldiers to practice synchronization of tactical manoeuvres, fire support and air power, according to an army handout.
    The annual Eager Lion operation kicked off on May 15 in partnership with the U.S.
    First launched in 2011, the aim of the annual training event is to enhance cooperation between friendly armies in the region and the world.
    The Director of Exercise and Training Division at U.S. Central Command, Major General Ralph Groover, said that this round of 'Eager Lion' is the one of the biggest exercises for the U.S. Central Command with Jordan since 2011.
    "The Eager Lion exercise is one of the most important exercises, it's our premiere exercise for the region. It's a demonstration of the commitment to the relationship we have with Jordan, not only military to military relationship, but our nation's commitment to Jordan and our relationship together," he said.
    About 6,000 personnel are taking part in this year's exercise, 3,000 from each country.
    Director of Joint Military Training at the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) Brigadier General, Fahed Damen, said that the drills will help prepare the country's military in its fight against terrorism.
    "Threats exist, both from the Islamic State and other extremist groups. God willing we will face them with strength and decisiveness, and we will not allow anyone to come close to the borders of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Jordanian Armed Forces and the security apparatus are able to protect Jordan, both its borders and its people," he said.
    King Abdullah has been among the most vocal regional leaders voicing alarm about Islamic State, which has taken territory in Syria and Iraq over the last two years.
    Jordan's military has waged sorties against Islamic State hideouts in Syria, and the kingdom is part of the U.S.-led coalition against the militant group.
    In March, Jordanian security forces killed several Islamist militants and one police officer was also shot dead during a manhunt that involved hundreds of troops in the northern city of Irbid, near the border with Syria.
    In its 2015 edition, 'Eager Lion' saw the participation of the armies of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, the UK, France, and Australia, in addition to the U.S. representatives of NATO.
    This year's training will conclude on May 24.
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