Egypt, US launch joint Red Sea drills

Egyptian and US armies have launched joint drills in the Red Sea, Egyptian media reported on Monday.

Dubbed Eagle Salute 2017, the exercises are being joined by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Pakistan, Kuwait and Italy as monitors, semi-official newspaper Al Ahram said.

The exercises, which run for days, include several activities including joint day and night combat in collaboration with air forces to secure a sea zone against different threats, according to the report.

They also comprise research and rescue sea support as well as inspection and storming of suspected vessels.

Al Ahram said that the drill is part of joint exercises planned by the Egyptian army with “friendly and sisterly” countries to enhance military cooperation and exchange of training expertise according to the latest combat systems.

In recent years, Egypt has sought to boost its military capabilities to back up an ongoing campaign against terrorism.

The country has seen a spate of deadly militant attacks since the army deposed in 2013 Islamist president Mohammad Mursi following massive protests against his rule.

Eagle Salute 2017 comes three weeks after Egyptian President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi made a landmark to the White House where he held talks with US President Donald Trump.

Their talks injected warmth into the Cairo-Washington relations that soured under Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama.

Last week, US Defence Secretary James Mattis met Al Sissi in Cairo where they pledged Egyptian-US cooperation against terrorism.

Mattis discussed ways to enhance military and security cooperation between the two countries during his visit on Thursday.

The US expressed interest in “reinvigorating relations and broadening prospects for cooperation”.

Mattis also held talks with Egyptian Defence Minister Sedki Sobhi about the Egyptian military’s counterinsurgency in the Sinai Peninsula, where a Daesh affiliate group has killed hundreds of soldiers.

Mattis “affirmed Egypt’s pivotal role in the Middle East and commended its counter-terrorism efforts”.

In 2013, the exercises were cancelled due to tensions between Cairo and Washington over the toppling of Mursi’s government.

source: GULF NEW