Saudi Soldiers told to always be combat ready 

(MENAFN - Arab News) Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Sultan yesterday inspected the various sectors of armed forces stationed in the southern province of Jazan and urged them to be combat ready.

"You should always be in combat readiness through continuous training," the minister said while inspecting the 10th King Faisal Brigade in Khoba.

He commended the sacrifices made by the Saudi forces in Khoba while confronting the Yemeni intruders two years ago. "We appreciate your dedication to defend the Kingdom, its people and resources."

Prince Khaled announced the ministry's plan to establish a massive housing project to accommodate 1,000 families of Jazan forces. "This project has won the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, supreme commander of the armed forces," he pointed out.

Earlier on arrival at King Abdullah Regional Airport, Prince Khaled was greeted by Jazan Gov. Prince Muhammad bin Nasser, Deputy Gov. Abdullah Al-Suwaid and Southern Commander Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Amri. Prince Khaled later arrived in Abha. Gen. Al-Amri highlighted the importance of Prince Khaled's visit to the region, adding that it was aimed at inspecting the armed forces' combat readiness and their requirements.

Prince Khaled's visit would cover King Khaled Air Base and the 4th Air Defense Battalion. He will also inspect the military exercise titled, "Al-Qaid Al-Mutahamis 2012" (enthusiastic commander), to be attended by armed forces in the southern region.