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What message is Saudi Arabia sending with war games?

Saudi Arabia has just finished its largest war games in recent history, signalling its intent to develop its military capabilities in an increasingly unstable region.

A member of Saudi security forces attends Abdullah's Sword military drill as a jet flies by in Hafar Al-Batin, near the border with Kuwait REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: MILITARY) - RTR3N4AM
A member of Saudi security forces attends Abdullah's Sword military drill as a jet flies by in Hafar Al-Batin, near the border with Kuwait, Apr. 29, 2014. — REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser

Saudi armed forces ended on April 29 what was considered their largest military exercises in recent history. They included the broad participation of all military and security sectors affiliated with the ministries of defense, interior and national guard.

Al-Riyadh newspaper said that the maneuvers sent a strong message that the kingdom and its army are ready and capable to respond to any national security threat in light of the challenges, instability and unrest in the surrounding countries.

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