The Qatari Armed Forces and the US forces on Thursday successfully concluded exercise Invincible Security Sentry 2021, which lasted for five days.
The exercise aims to train on response to crises. Hosted by Qatar this year, it is an annual training event for the US Central Command. The exercise included co-ordination between Qatar's Ministry of Defence, the US embassy in Doha, and other US government agencies.
It was designed to ensure the correctness of bilateral planning and enhance the efficiency of the administrative and military cadres and their performance in the vital mission areas by developing interoperability between the two countries. The scenario of the exercise focused on close co-ordination and planning in order to respond to transnational terrorist threats.
The exercise provided a unique opportunity for the Qatari Armed Forces and US forces to train with each other and enhance methods of dealing with common threats to regional security at the operational level in addition to supporting Qatar in its preparations to host the World Cup 2022. Director of the invincible sentry exercise Colonel Mohamed al-Otaibi stressed that the exercise aims to focus on supporting the combat capabilities of the Qatari Armed Forces and US forces to respond to crises and test the effectiveness of the operational capabilities of both sides.
Colonel al-Otaibi added that the exercise achieved its objectives with great success, stressing that the Qatari Armed Forces are committed to increasing combat harmony and co-ordination with the US strategic partner.
For her part, Head of Mission and Charge d'Affaires of the US embassy, ambassador Greta Holtz, said that the US values its strategic security partnership with Qatar, adding that the invincible security sentry exercise is an opportunity for US forces to train with their Qatari partners and exercise their capabilities to respond to crises. The exercise is important for both Qatar and the United States during the preparation of Qatar to host the World Cup 2022, she added.
Qatar and the United States have had diplomatic relations since 1972, and co-ordination between the two countries is based on a great level of harmony on regional and global issues, as Qatar hosts the facilities of the Central Command headquarters in addition to a joint air operations centre.
The US Armed Forces participate in more than 80 exercises annually with its partners from all countries, and the exercises in the region are designed to strengthen military-military relations, enhance regional security, and develop interoperability with partner countries. The importance of such joint exercises stems from the fact that they are an ideal way to prepare partner forces to work with each other when the need arises, and this co-operation and co-ordination stems from the fact that both the Qatari and US armed forces are responsible for maintaining security, defending their international interests and protecting citizens.
