Saudi Arabia conducts military drill along Red Sea countries

RIYADH - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia conducted a five-day military drill along with the Red Sea countries, an exercise that saw a series of activities along the coastlines of Djibouti, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, and Somalia, in yet another show of preparedness on matters of security.

For years, Saudi Arabia has been seeking to control military strength in the Middle East and along the Red Sea, a move that gives the country impetus to compete with developed nations around the world according to observers.

Dubbed “Red Wave-5,” the aim of the drill was to strengthen military cooperation and enhance the maritime security of countries bordering the region. Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest countries within the region based on population and size.

The exercise allowed various military units from other countries to exchange combat experiences to increase their readiness in addressing various maritime security issues. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a key ally of the United States.

“The Red Wave-5 maneuver witnessed implementing a combat training, citing the clearance of fortified sites, intrusion, and live-fire shooting in support of combat aircraft and helicopters…” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

As part of the drill, naval units carried out counter-attacks against simulated enemy speedboats to protect vessels loaded with important cargo, the agency added, noting that the exercise was timely given the persistent threats within the Red Sea, Middle East, and the Horn of Africa.

Somalia is also a close ally of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the two countries have been working closely for several decades. Currently, Somalia is tackling terror threats given the resurgence of the deadly Al-Shabaab militants.

GAROWE ONLINE