AMMAN, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- More than 8,000 troops from 30 countries are taking part in the ninth edition of the U.S.-Jordan military exercise Eager Lion in the eastern desert of Jordan.
The exercise, which will run through Sept. 5, involved the participation of several countries from across the world, Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Thalji of Jordan Armed Forces, said in a statement.
The officer said that preparations for the exercise started more than a year ago and it seeks to enhance cooperation in facing terrorism.
On the sidelines of the exercise, a seminar will be held on cyber security, he said, adding that the exercise provides a platform for increased coordination and cooperation among all participating troops.
U.S. Army Major General Bradley A. Swanson said that "conducting such a large and complex security event demonstrates our commitment to partnerships and maintaining a ready and responsive joint force operating in a complex environment where there are no easy victories or quick wins."
"We've developed new ideas and scenarios to improve participating nations' ability to outsmart and outmaneuver our near-peer adversaries," Swanson said in a press statement, a copy of which was obtained by Xinhua.
Countries taking part in the exercise include France, Britain, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Kuwait, Lebanon, Kenya, Spain, Germany, Tajikistan, among others.
Eager Lion is a multilateral exercise hosted by Jordan designed to exchange military expertise among partner nations.
