Defense minister attends elite special forces exercise in Northwestern Region

Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman on Thursday attended a military exercise conducted by the Ministry of Defense’s Elite Special Forces (ESF) in the Northwestern Region.

The exercise began with the Royal Anthem, followed by a briefing from the director of the Joint Special Operations Center on the center’s key roles and responsibilities.

A visual presentation highlighted the ESF’s advanced technical and organizational capabilities, reflecting the ministry’s strategic vision to build a highly trained and specialized force.

Prince Khalid reviewed the exercise scenario, which built upon previous training phases and focused on deploying ESF units in complex environments to carry out specialized operations.

He observed the live exercise from the main operations platform, later addressing the participants and posing for a commemorative photo. The event concluded with the minister honoring the ESF personnel and receiving a commemorative gift.