Photos: Saudi National Day celebrations begin with military parade in Asir

More than 2,000 soldiers took part in the military parade.

A military parade was held in the south-western Asir region on Sunday as part of the 89th National Day celebrations.
The parade was aimed at paying tributes to armed forces personnel and their families who have dedicated their lives to the service of their homeland, as well as highlighting the importance of the region.

The parade started at Codombol Island, passed through cities and villages where soldiers were greeted by the people, and culminated in Abha.
Around 2,000 personnel from the infantry, special forces and air force - including 27 ace pilots -took part in the march in which 60 military trucks, three helicopters and 12 fighter planes had been deployed.

Paratroopers carried the Saudi national flag all the way from Tabuk in the north to Asir, in a symbolic gesture of unity and solidarity.
The parade, the main part of the celebrations, was followed by cultural events that reflected the extraordinary diversity of the region.

The celebrations also underscored the multifaceted developments taking place in Asir region. 

• Saudi Arabia