In an effort to ensure the state's readiness to counter internal and external threats, Jordan inaugurated the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre in the capital of Amman on May 19. The centre, partially funded by the U.S., will serve as a regional base for counter-terrorism training.

The opening ceremony was attended by members of the Jordanian royal family, regional and international military representatives and officers from Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Gulf states, and Gen. David Petraeus, commander of the U.S. Central Command, which is responsible for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The general said, "All the participants have contributed to the establishment of an impressive world class training centre." The ceremony included Jordanian and U.S. Special Forces performing an enactment of a terrorist attack and hostage situation.

Security analysts in Jordan confirmed that the centre aims to train Arab, African and U.S. military forces in counter-terrorism techniques. It has the capacity to train 650 people at a time, is equipped with the latest technologies and contains buildings for urban combat training and facilities for sniper training.

Commander of the centre Col. Adnan Abbadi said, "This centre, with its strategic location, represents King Abdullah's effort to unify regional counterterrorism efforts. It will also serve as a military training base for the Arab world and the region." Abbadi added that military forces from all over the world would be invited to receive training at the centre.

Sources: Agence France-Presse / Jordan Times