Saudi Arabia Leads 20 Nation War Exercise

“Saudi media said some 350,000 forces from the Persian Gulf Arab states and a number of other countries will take part in the Saudi-led military maneuver in the area of Hafer al-Batin in northern Saudi Arabia” (Alalam News, February 9, 2016). Named North Thunder,  Saudi Arabia aims to use this massive exercise to “boost military cooperation between the 20 Muslim nations taking part,” such as “Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Jordan, Sudan and Senegal” (Reuters, February 22, 2016). In addition, Saudi Arabia “has sent planes to Turkey to help fight against ‘Islamic State’ militants in Syria… to intensify aerial operations along with missions launched from bases in Saudi Arabia” (Deutsche Welle, February 14, 2016). Some speculate that Saudi Arabia and Turkey are planning a ground invasion in Syria, but that “will only happen if the United States gives its support and participates in such an expeditionary land force” (Al Arabiya, February 17, 2016).

Bible prophecies are coming alive in the Middle East! In the years ahead, a great war will take place between a powerful “king of the north” and another “king of the south” (Daniel 11:40-43). Jesus told His followers to “watch” world events that would fulfill ancient prophecies at the end of the age (Mark 13:37). The rise of ISIS is drawing Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations together in a manner that could lead to the emergence of the long-prophesied “king of the south” that will focus world attention on the Middle East. To learn what is ahead for this turbulent region, read our informative booklet, The Middle East in Prophecy.