RIYADH: The Malaysian Armed Forces’ participation in ‘war games’ organised in northern Saudi Arabia can increase its overall combat effectiveness.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the Saudi-led military exercise with 19 other countries, named ‘Thunder of the North’, has exposed the Armed Forces to other forms of warfare.

He said threats nowadays can originate from any source, and the Armed Forces participation in the exercise will enable it to operate and act in different environments.

“For example, the Armed Forces, already skilled in jungle warfare, can now increase its abilities in desert and urban combat. Such exercises are extremely useful,” he said.

Najib was speaking to reporters after attending a dinner with the Malaysian community here last night.

Also present was his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom and Armed Forces Chief Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin.

The prime minister had yesterday visited members of the Armed Forces who were participating in the exercise at Hafar Al Batin.

He said Malaysia’s participation in the exercise is not only a support towards efforts to promote peace and to tackle any threats to the Muslim world. He said it is also a form of solidarity among Muslim nations.-nst