Saudi Arabia, US Kick off Military Drill in Gulf

Saudi Arabia and the US kick off a joint naval drill in the Gulf. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia and the US kick off a joint naval drill in the Gulf. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia, US Kick off Military Drill in Gulf

Saudi Arabia and the US kick off a joint naval drill in the Gulf. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia and the US kick off a joint naval drill in the Gulf. (SPA)

The mixed maritime “Nautical Defender 21” exercise between Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the United States Navy kicked off on Thursday at King Abdulaziz Naval Base (KANB) at the Eastern Fleet in Jubail.

The drill, which is being held in Gulf waters, will also see the participation of a British minesweeper.

Commander of the Eastern Fleet Vice Admiral Majed bin Hazza Al-Qahtani will oversee the exercise.

The two-week drill aims to raise combat readiness and expand maritime security cooperation between the two forces, by strengthening maritime security, ensuring protection of territorial waters and exchanging combat experiences.

The exercise is being held amid heightened tensions in the region and threats to marine waterways, underlining the need for coordination between navies in the area.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Gulf Security Integration

Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Gulf Security Integration

Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening security coordination and cooperation among Gulf nations.
Speaking at the 41st GCC interior ministers’ meeting in Qatar on Wednesday, he emphasized the importance of protecting the region’s prosperity and ensuring a brighter future.
The meeting, chaired by Qatar’s Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad, focused on enhancing joint security efforts and addressing key issues on the agenda.
Prince Abdulaziz warned of rising security challenges, including cybercrime, drug trafficking, and cross-border organized crime, during the GCC interior ministers’ meeting in Qatar.
He noted that advanced technologies are making it easier for criminal networks to smuggle weapons and fuel terrorism and extremism, especially in unstable regions.
The minister called for stronger collaboration, better strategies, and capacity-building to tackle these threats.
He also said that the GCC interior ministers’ meeting strengthens joint security efforts to tackle new challenges, supporting regional stability and development.
In a post on X, Prince Abdulaziz affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to boosting communication, coordination, and integration among Gulf nations, particularly in security, to protect progress and ensure a brighter future.