6-nation ‘Red Wave’ naval drills begin in Saudi waters

CAIRO (AA) - The Egyptian military on Tuesday announced the launch of the “Red Wave 1” naval maneuvers in Saudi territorial waters.

In a statement, the military said that the drill was aimed at bolstering participants’ preparedness “to carry out joint tasks in the Red Sea under different conditions”.

Along with Egypt, participants include naval units from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Djibouti, Sudan and Yemen.

According to the statement, the drills are aimed at “improving the skills of naval commanders and officers and exchanging experience and know-how”.

The Saudi Press Agency quoted Saqr al-Harbi, commander of Saudi Arabia’s Western Fleet, as saying that the exercises would wrap up on Thursday.

According to the same source, the drills are intended to "strengthen the maritime security of countries on the Red Sea; protect regional waters; enhance military cooperation; and exchange combat experience”.

Last month, Saudi Arabia and the five other participant states announced the establishment of a coalition aimed at promoting political, economic and security cooperation.