Gulf Arab states boost joint forces
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ABU DHABI - The Gulf Arab states agreed yesterday to bolster their token joint forces into a deterrent army, effectively ruling out military co-operation with Egypt and Syria, AFP reports. At the end of a two-day meeting, defence ministers of the six nations of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) approved plans to strengthen their Peninsula Shield force which is 4,500 strong
The force, set up in 1984 and based in Hafr al-Batin, northern Saudi Arabia, will be equipped with an advanced early warning system covering the region, including parts of Iran and Iraq. 'The ministers have decided to develop the force to ensure the region's security and stability,' the GCC Secretary General Fahim ibn Sultan al-Qassimi said after the meeting in Abu Dhabi.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments