Cairo: Egypt's Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Abdel-Mageuid Saqr, attended the main phase of a live-fire tactical exercise conducted by a unit of the Western Military Zone. The military announced this development, highlighting the efforts focused on testing combined-arms operations to break through enemy defensive lines.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the exercise involved coordinated air and ground maneuvers, featuring Air Force reconnaissance and close-support sorties to assist advancing troops under air-defense cover. Artillery units played a crucial role in targeting enemy reserves and command-and-control centers, ensuring the success of the operation.
Armored and mechanized infantry forces spearheaded the assault, effectively penetrating defensive positions with support from attack helicopters and anti-tank guided-missile teams. These units were tasked with countering counterattacks and preventing enemy forces from regrouping, showcasing their strategic importance in the drill.
Special Forces, including paratroopers and Sa'ka units, executed raids and airborne insertions to strike designated targets, demonstrating their versatility and precision in complex operations. The exercise was attended by a wide array of observers, including Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, senior commanders, several governors, military academy cadets, media representatives, public figures, and tribal elders from Matrouh and Siwa. Students from Matrouh University were also present, underscoring the event's significance.
Major General Staff Hatem Mostafa Zahran, commander of the Western Military Zone, emphasized the personnel's dedication to maintaining high efficiency and combat readiness. He reiterated their commitment to defending the security and safety of the homeland against any threat.
At the conclusion of the exercise, General Saqr conveyed President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's greetings and lauded the forces' performance. He highlighted their advanced systems and high readiness, which enable them to effectively safeguard Egypt's security across all strategic directions. Saqr assured the Egyptian people of the Armed Forces' constant preparedness, providing a message of reassurance.
Earlier, Lieutenant General Khalifa observed a separate phase of the exercise and engaged in discussions with commanders and officers. These interactions focused on assessing decision-making during operations, further enhancing the strategic capabilities of the forces involved. The Armed Forces reported that the exercise demonstrated professionalism throughout its daytime and nighttime combat activities.