His Majesty King Abdullah, the supreme commander of the armed forces, on Tuesday patronised the launch of the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC).

The centre is an initiative of King Abdullah who in 1998 he chose the site for the centre. KASOTC will provide state-of-the-art training facilities, concepts, techniques and tactical skills.

As the ceremony got underway, King Abdullah unveiled the memorial plaque of the centre.

In opening remarks, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Khaled Jameel Al Sarayrah, said: "Jordan has suffered from terrorism for its moderation and balanced and prudent approach."

"The lives and blood of Jordan's elite leaders and sons have been claimed by terrorism, the highest price for remaining true to its principles" he added.

The army chief said that Jordan would pursue all efforts to open more channels of cooperation and find effective partnerships with all supporters of international peace and security."

He added that the founding of the centre as a distinct regional and international training facility reflects King Abdullah's vision and was an example of fruitful cooperation and partnership with the United States.

In an address at the ceremony, US Central Command Commander General David Petraeus noted that the creation of the special forces and anti-terrorism training centre was the brainchild of King Abdullah to address security challenges.

He thanked "all those who contributed to turning this dream into a tangible reality."

Gen. Petraeus said that the centre, the only facility of its kind, would offer many opportunities for distinguished specialised training of Jordanian Special Forces and partners in the region and the world.

KASOTC Director General Maj.Gen. Jerry Harl hailed the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States, "which is today reaping one of its fruits," he added.

He said the centre would start training according to plan.

The ceremony also included field displays by commandos, including a mock operation to storm a hijacked plane and free hostages.

Other special forces squads taking part in the drill also liberated a group of hostages seized inside a building by using air-borne and land forces.

After the opening ceremony, attended by Royal family members, Prime Minister Nader Dahabi and other senior civilian and military officials, King Abdullah toured a military exhibition of weapons, devices and equipment used by various Special Forces units.