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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)
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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.

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UAE Expresses Deep Concern over Escalating Violence in Sudan

UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
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UAE Expresses Deep Concern over Escalating Violence in Sudan

UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo

UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan has expressed the UAE’s deep concern over violence in Sudan, particularly against women, children, and the elderly in Al Jazirah state, which resulted in the killing and wounding of a number of innocent civilians, state news agency WAM reported.

He underlined that the UAE is alarmed by reports of sexual violence against women and girls, the high risk of famine, and the continued suffering and displacement of thousands of civilians.

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan called on the Sudanese warring parties to return to dialogue, respect their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration and the mechanisms proposed by the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) related to facilitating safe, urgent, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid. His also underscored the necessity for all parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law.

The Minister emphasised the importance of protecting civilians according to international humanitarian law, and the need to ensure that they are not targeted during conflict.

In this regard, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan reaffirmed the UAE’s unwavering position in calling for an immediate ceasefire, stressing its support for efforts to achieve national consensus toward forming a civilian-led government, in a way that meets the aspirations of the Sudanese people for development and prosperity.