Islamabad, Jan 13 (IANS) Naval forces of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have begun a joint exercise in the Arabian Sea that will focus on operations against piracy, terrorism and trafficking of narcotics, arms and humans.
The "Naseem Al Bahr-X" exercise was launched in cooperation with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) from the Jinnah Naval Base at Ormara in Balochistan, the Daily Times reported Sunday.
The exercise began Jan 12 off the coast of Makran and will continue till Jan 22, Pakistani fleet commander Rear Admiral M. Zakaullah said.
Four RSNF ships -- HMS Makkah with a Dauphin helicopter, a guided-missile-equipped patrol craft HMS Tabuk, mine counter-measures vessel HMS Shaqra and a tanker HMS Boraida -- are taking part in the exercise.
One platoon of the RSNF Marines and one special operations team are also part of the operations.
From the Pakistani side, three destroyers, missile boats, mine hunters, a submarine, long range maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters are taking part. Pakistani Marines, Special Services Group (Navy) and Pakistan Air Force personnel are representing their country.
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