National Guard role stressed

Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, yesterday patronised the celebrations of the National Guard’s 22nd Anniversary, held at Al Sakhir Camp. National Guard Commander, General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, National Guard Staff Director, Major-General Shaikh 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. Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed attended part of the joint drill, “Badr 3”, carried out by the National Guard and the Pakistani Army between December 23 and January 7.

He said that the next period requires continuous planning and training to face the world-destabilising 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.