Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF), Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, patronized Monday the celebrations of the National Guard’s 22nd Anniversary, held at Al-Sakhir Camp, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

National Guard Commander, General HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, National Guard Staff Director, Major General Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Khalifa, Pakistani General Officer Commanding Special Services Group (SSG), Major General Tahir Masood Bhutta, and a number of senior National Guard officers were present.

Upon arrival, the BDF Commander-in-Chief was welcomed by the National Guard Commander and Staff Director. Earlier, he attended part of the joint drill, “Badr 3”, carried out by the National Guard and the Pakistani Army between December 23 and January 7.

The Commander of the Special Operations Unit, Major HH Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, delivered a speech in which he welcomed the personnel of the Pakistani Special Services Group who are taking part in “Badr 3”, stressing that the joint exercise is an extension to the first and second editions which were carried out in Pakistan.

He said that the next period requires continuous planning and training to face the world-destabilizing phenomenon of terrorism, hence the need to step up efforts to eradicate it and safeguard the citizens’ security and the nation’s capabilities.

He pointed out that “Badr 3” is part of the National Guard’s strategy, 2020, and aims to strengthen relations between the two friendly countries, noting that the drill has proved the competence of the participants from both sides.

Pakistan Army’s SSG Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Muhammad Umair Khan Bangash, made a statement in which he asserted that “Badr 3” is a milestone in the National Guard’s record, expressing the Pakistani Army’s pride in taking part in the joint drill which, he said, contributes to enhancing the professionalism of the two sides in carrying out ant-terror operations.

He added that the drill adds a new chapter to the history of military cooperation between the two friendly countries and further strengthens relations between Bahrain’s National Guard and the Pakistani Army.

After that, the Commander of the Task Force of the joint drill, “Badr 3” presented a briefing about the exercise, and requested the celebration’s patron to start the military parade.

The parade reflected the participants’ harmony and readiness to achieve the highest levels of readiness and competence in countering terrorism and eradicating it.

Commenting on the event, National Guard Commander, General HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, said that the National has been strengthened thanks to the forward-looking vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander. He also expressed thanks and appreciation to the BDF Commander-in-Chief for patronizing the National Guard’s celebrations of its 22nd anniversary.

He lauded the advanced levels of cooperation between the National Guard and the Pakistani Army, noting that holding the joint drill for the third time in a row reflects the depth of relations between the two sides.

He added that the exchange of expertise between the National Guard and the Pakistani Army aims to achieve the highest levels of readiness to combat terrorism, which, he said, will achieve lasting security, stability and prosperity in the two countries.

The BDF Commander-in-chief watched a free parachuting show by the National Guard team which carried the flags of Bahrain and Pakistan.

The National Guard Commander informed the BDF Commander-in-Chief about the operation room of “Badr 3”, as well as the weapons and equipment used by the National Guard’s weapons while carrying out special operations.