Saudi Arabia began naval war games including live fire exercises on Tuesday in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil route, official media reported, a move that coincides with heightened tensions with regional rival Iran.
Warships, speedboats, air navy aircraft, marine corps and special security naval units took part, state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.
Live ammunition was fired during activities.
The maneuvers are aimed at testing combat readiness “in preparation for the protection of the marine interests of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against any possible aggression,” reported SPA quoting commander of the exercises, Rear Admiral Majed bin Hazza'a al-Qahtani.
The drill is also being conducted in the Sea of Oman, SPA reported.
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