Sudan and Saudi join naval forces

Sudanese and Saudi Arabian naval forces have participated in naval exercises to enhance Red Sea security in the wake of a rising threat from Iranian warships. The Sudanese Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) will conclude ongoing joint naval exercises in the Red Sea in preparation for a visit from two Saudi barges at Port Sudan today. The training exercises were aimed at increasing security in the Red Sea through exchanging areas of expertise, combating smuggling and developing "a unified military language" between the two countries. The Governor of the Red Sea state in Sudan, Mohammed Tahir Ila, celebrated his country's relations with Saudi Arabia, meanwhile meeting with Sudanese and Saudi naval commanders to discuss strengthening cooperation to improve Red Sea security. Saudi state media reported that the Commander of Saudi's Western Fleet stated that the first stage of the joint security operation in the Red Sea was "completed successfully." “The second stage will include drills for infantrymen and the special forces,” he added. A spokesperson for the Sudanese Armed Forces stated that these joint training exercises are Sudan's first with Saudi and expressed hopes to continue the security relationship in the future. Commentators have seen this alliance as a necessary front to fight the looming threat from Iranian warships, which have made numerous visits to the Red Sea state in Sudan in recent months and could pose a serious threat to Gulf states if they secured control of the strategic Red Sea region.