Royal Saudi Navy Concludes 'Tasaddi 5' Drill

One of the training scenarios of Tasaddi 5 exercises (SPA)
One of the training scenarios of Tasaddi 5 exercises (SPA)
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Royal Saudi Navy Concludes 'Tasaddi 5' Drill

One of the training scenarios of Tasaddi 5 exercises (SPA)
One of the training scenarios of Tasaddi 5 exercises (SPA)

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces, represented by the Eastern Fleet, concluded the joint naval exercise “Tasaddi 5.”

The Interior Ministry, represented by border guards in the Eastern Province, and the Energy Ministry, represented by Saudi Aramco and Aramco Gulf Operations, participated in the drills.

The five-day drill kicked off at the King Abdulaziz Naval Base in Jubail. It aimed to protect maritime routes, address threats to petroleum installations, safeguard freedom of navigation, and promote joint action among the participating units.

It included lectures, scenarios, and training on handling floating mines, defending vital installations and oil fields, and dealing with drone ships and unmanned aircraft.

Director of Tasaddi 5 Rear Admiral Khalid al-Shammari confirmed that the exercise aimed to boost the readiness of all participating units, unify joint action, and increase the level of coordination and exchange of information.

Shammari also asserted that the drills aimed to unify leadership and communications to achieve the security and safety of vital installations and oil fields and secure freedom of navigation in the Arabian Gulf.



UAE, Syria Foreign Ministers Discuss Bolstering Ties on UAE visit

A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
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UAE, Syria Foreign Ministers Discuss Bolstering Ties on UAE visit

A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed bolstering "brotherly" ties with Syria during the first official visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani to the United Arab Emirates on Monday, Emirati state news agency WAM reported.

The two ministers also discussed the overall developments in Syria since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by opposition factions on Dec. 8.

The UAE's foreign minister reiterated the country's support for Syria's independence and sovereignty, WAM added.

Syria's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, head of intelligence Anas Khattab and the UAE's minister of state for defense affairs, Mohammed Fadel al-Mazrouei, also attended the meeting.

The UAE is part of Shibani's second foreign tour, which earlier took him to Qatar and will also include a visit to Jordan. He said the visits aim to "support stability, security, economic recovery and build distinguished partnerships", according to his account on X.

Shibani made his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia last week, where Saudi officials discussed how best to support Syria's political transition.