War games in Jordan

It's a familiar scene -- military aircraft and personnel in the desert --- only in this case, it's part of a war game in southern Jordan involving thousands of troops from all over the world.

Forces from 18 countries including the U.S., Jordan, Lebanon and Italy are participating in the exercise. Dubbed "Eager Lion" the scenarios give troops a chance to learn how to carry out attacks on ground targets in coordination with artillery and air power. Military leaders say the drills aren't being directed at any particular country.

SOUNDBITE: Eager Lion War Games Spokesman, Major General Mekhled Al Sheim saying:

"There is no relation between this exercise and what is going on in Syria or other event around the world. This exercise has been in planning for three years, and a similar exercise was conducted in Jordan in 2011 between Jordan and the United States."

The games, which were attended by Jordan's King Abdullah, will also train forces in unconventional warfare and how to respond to a chemical attack.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters