Soldiers from 19 nations join Pakistani military's ‘team spirit’ drills

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Soldiers from 19 nations are participating in the Pakistani military's "team spirit" drills, according to an army statement Wednesday.

The opening ceremony of the 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit Competition–2026 was carried out at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Pabbi in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, said the statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the military’s media wing.

The drills are aimed at strengthening military-to-military cooperation "amongst contingents from friendly forces."

The inaugural event marked the start of a 60-hour patrolling exercise.

Among the participating countries are Türkiye, the US, Malaysia, Belarus, Egypt, Jordan, the Maldives, Morocco, Bangladesh, Nepal, Qatar, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan.

Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand are taking part as observers.

The Pakistani Army and Navy are contributing 16 domestic teams along with observers from the Air Force.

The drill, held annually in Pakistan, is "a mission specific and task-oriented professional military exercise" which seeks to promote "perseverance through team spirit," said the statement.