Trucks carrying war materiel arrive at Hafr Al-Batin in the Eastern Province on Wednesday at the start of “North Thunder,” an 18-day military exercise involving 20 Arab and Muslim nations. (SPA)

North Thunder, one of the biggest military exercises in the region, which is currently taking place here, is a reminder of the force that was formed to counter Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait.

About 25 years ago, Saudi Arabia hosted a coalition of 30 states that had gathered to liberate Kuwait.

North Thunder brings together 20 Arab and Muslim countries. Ten of the countries gathered here during that time at King Khaled Military City (KKMC).

The KKMC is one of the country’s newest bases, and one of the largest in the Middle East.

There are about 200,000 soldiers from Arab and Muslim countries gathered here, including Pakistan, Egypt, UAE, Malaysia, Oman, Jordan, Bahrain, Senegal, Sudan, Kuwait, Maldives, Morocco, Chad, Tunisia, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Qatar, Mauritania and Mauritius.

The military city is equipped with a wide range of support facilities, including a military hospital, training centers, and vast areas for ground and air defense forces.

It has become a symbol of the country’s determination to fight terrorism and ensure peace prevails in the region.

Saudi Arabia is currently leading a military campaign against Iran-backed terrorists in Yemen.

In December, it also announced the formation of a 34-member alliance against terrorism.

A Saudi source said on Thursday that members of the new anti-terrorism coalition would gather in Saudi Arabia next month for its first publicly announced meeting.

Riyadh has said the alliance would share intelligence, combat violent ideologies and deploy troops if necessary.

Trucks carrying war materiel arrive at Hafr Al-Batin in the Eastern Province on Wednesday at the start of “North Thunder,” an 18-day military exercise involving 20 Arab and Muslim nations. (SPA)

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