GCC and partner nations take down simulated terrorist threat

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kenneth Holston | A Qatar Armed Forces member mans his weapon from the bed of a truck as his unit prepares for a joint counter-terrorism exercise with the U.S. military and other partnering nations in Zikrit, Qatar, April 28. Perimeter security was vital in order to cover for special operations forces to take over the terrorist village. Exercise Eagle Resolve demonstrates U.S. Central Command's dedication to GCC regional partners and the combined efforts to sustain regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kenny Holston/Released)  

DOHA, QATAR

04.28.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Kenneth Holston 

20th Fighter Wing

ZIKRIT, Qatar - U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft and Qatar Armed Forces armored striker vehicles approached a simulated terrorist compound from the land and air as U.S.military members and partner nations worked together during a joint training operation in the Qatar desert April 28.

The field training exercise scenario conducted by U.S. and Gulf Cooperation Council members, was one of many being conducted as part of Exercise Eagle Resolve 2013.

"Eagle Resolve is the only exercise supported by U.S. Central Command designed to include all the nations of the GCC," said Maj. Gen. Steve Foster, co-director for Exercise Eagle Resolve 2013. "It is beneficial to get all of us together so we can know what each country's capabilities are."

This particular training scenario consisted of 10 terrorists who had taken over a city building,causing a lethal threat to surrounding establishments and the civilians who occupied them.

Each unit worked together to plan necessary tactical movements needed for a successful raid on the simulated terrorist cell.

As mission planning concluded the day before, each unit donned their battle gear the next morning and carried out the planned operation.

"The most important part of this joint mission is the exchange of ideas between forces," said Qatar Armed Forces 1st Lt. Abdul Majid Al-Shammari, Special Forces officer. "We collaborated a lot while training."

Upon completion of the mission, the simulated terrorists were killed, thus eliminating the threat and resulting in a successful operation, explained Al-Shammari.

"Partnership and overcoming challenges helped us achieve success today," concluded Al-Shammari.

• Date Taken: 04.28.2013
• Date Posted: 04.29.2013 16:24
• Story ID: 106039
• Location: DOHA, QA