Rumbling in the the North:largest ever military exercises with 20 Islamic countries

The operations in the northeast of the country, close to oil wells and Shiite majority. Saudi Arabia has crafted a military alliance formed by 35 countries to fight "terrorism" in Islamic nations.

Riyadh (AsiaNews) – The armies of 20 Islamic countries have given rise to one of the largest military exercises in the world. Troops from Pakistan, Malaysia, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan and Sudan are participating en masse in exercises involving ground troops, air and naval forces. The operations also include five Gulf countries.

The exercises are being held in the north-east of the country, rich in oil and with a majority Shiite population. Officially, the reason for this display of military power is the response to the threat posed by "terrorist groups." But it is also likely that the exercises in a very hot area for the presence of Shiites, is to deter any possibility of internal revolts.

Last December, Saudi Arabia formed an alliance with 35 countries to fight terrorism in Islamic nations. In addition to being committed to the coalition to officially fight against the Islamic State in Syria, Riyadh is involved in military actions and air strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, trying to curb Iranian influence in the region.