A total of eighty-five personnel of The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) on Friday 20 April 2018 returned from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after completing a month long multinational exercise dubbed “Gulf Shied 1” that was meant to prepare troops in the fight against terrorism in the world. More than 23 counties participated in the exercise. 
The Contingent Commander Colonel Alhajie Sanneh said GAF has been participating in the exercise since its Planning level. He said the scenario of the exercise teaches the participants on how to plan in strategic, operational and tactical levels in the fight against terrorism.
With the exercise, Colonel Sanneh emphasized that the gulf countries and their African brothers will be able to come together to cooperate in fighting terrorism and other illegal activities.
“The exercise created a platform where we interfaced with the rest of the 23 countries and our troops performed very well in all the exercises.”
The troops were received at the foot of the aircraft by the Commander of the Gambia Navy Commodore Madani Senghore on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff. Commodore Senghore told the officers that they are worthy ambassadors of The Gambia Armed Forces and the entire Gambian population owing to their exemplary performance in the exercise without any adverse reports.
“We are happy that you went in peace and came back in peace without injuries, sickness or any disciplinary problem.”
