KUWAIT: Kuwaiti armed forces take part in the Al-Bairaq 7 military drill yesterday. - Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh

KUWAIT: Kuwait yesterday brought down 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 Maj Gen Sheikh Khaled Al-Sabah described as an all-inclusive exercise that engages various components of the armed forces. He added that the purpose of such drills was to ensure complete preparedness to respond to any internal or external threats, noting that the exercise will help boost productivity and cohesion within the army.

Meanwhile, Kuwait's interior ministry said it is proud to have taken part in the drill, with its Undersecretary Lt Gen 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 Lt Gen Hashim Al-Refai said the drill allowed participants the chance to apply military concepts and principles. 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 knowhow with one another. - KUNA