Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Greece Conduct Joint Military Drill to Confront Terrorist Elements

The four-way joint exercise “Hercules-21” (Egyptian military spokesperson)
The four-way joint exercise “Hercules-21” (Egyptian military spokesperson)
TT

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Greece Conduct Joint Military Drill to Confront Terrorist Elements

The four-way joint exercise “Hercules-21” (Egyptian military spokesperson)
The four-way joint exercise “Hercules-21” (Egyptian military spokesperson)

Special forces from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Greece have conducted a four-way joint military exercise.

Dubbed ‘Hercules-21,’ the four-day drill was held for the first time at the Special Forces Training Center in Peramos, Greece, and it aimed at confronting terrorist elements and exchanging expertise.

The military exercise includes lectures on countering terrorism, training on managing joint combat operations among the participating elements, training on fighting in closed and open spaces, hostage rescue and medical evacuation.

Forces were also trained to carry out airdrops and sea landings from the thunderbolt and parachutes as well as raids.

The drill comes in line with the joint training plan implemented by the Egyptian armed forces with brotherly and friendly countries to exchange expertise and refine the skills of the participating elements, a statement by the Egyptian military spokesperson read.

These exercises contribute to achieving higher rates of efficiency and combat readiness, the statement added.

Commanders of the armed forces of the countries participating in the training attended the drill.



UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ to Palestinian State

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
TT

UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ to Palestinian State

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)

UK premier Keir Starmer told Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday that any peace process in the Middle East should pave the way for a Palestinian state, Downing Street said.

The two leaders held a call that focused on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a UK government spokesperson said.

During the conversation, "both agreed that we must work towards a permanent and peaceful solution that guarantees Israel's security and stability", the British readout of the call added.

"The prime minister added that the UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a political process, which should also lead to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state."

Starmer also "reiterated that it was vital to ensure humanitarian aid can now flow uninterrupted into Gaza, to support the Palestinians who desperately need it", the statement added.

Starmer "offered his personal thanks for the work done by the Israeli government to secure the release of the hostages, including British hostage Emily Damari", the statement added.

"To see the pictures of Emily finally back in her family's arms was a wonderful moment but a reminder of the human cost of the conflict," Starmer added, according to the statement.

A truce agreement between Israel and Hamas to end 15 months of war in Gaza came into effect on Sunday.

The first part of the three-phase deal should last six weeks and see 33 hostages returned from Gaza in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.