A bilateral exercise between Pakistan Special Services Group-Navy (SSG-N) and Royal Saudi Naval Special Forces was conducted on Friday under the Naseem Al Bahr exercise, which is the 10th drill in the series.
The officers and members of SSG-N, Pakistan Navy Maritime Special Warfare (MSW) Group, SEAL Group and officers and members of the Royal Saudi Naval Special Forces participated in the exercise. The exercise was conducted simultaneously by MSW and SEAL Group, and was based on seminars, lectures and special operations exercises. MSW conducted Maritime Special Operations encompassing maritime counter terrorism, counter piracy operations at sea and close quarter combat.
The operations were conducted by special operating forces using special force boats, VBSS boats and helicopters. The joint exercise culminated with mock boarding operations on a simulated pirate vessel in counter piracy situation by using the SSG-N sea platforms.
Meanwhile, the SEAL Group focused on minor operations, marksmanship, transition drills, live moving fires, Fighting in Built Up Area (FIBUA), Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT), Close Quarter Combat (CQC) and mountain warfare.
Both teams demonstrated individual skills in different facets of special operations. Joint Field Tactical Exercise encompassing field craft, survival techniques, navigation, hide pit drills, followed by ambush on convoy and raid on simulated target, was undertaken in mountainous terrain by both special operations forces. It should be mentioned here that the SSG-N was established in 1967 to undertake diversified special operations.
The organisation had been recognised as one of the most potent forces globally with a diverse capability to undertake sea, air and land operations, anti-terrorist operations and MSW operations simultaneously with equal competence and professionalism. The SSG-N had regularly undertaken exercises with the special operations forces of the world to enhance professional acumen and fighting skills. The exercise provided a good opportunity to the armed forces of both the countries to exchange expertise in the domain of special operations, to develop cordial relations and to also enhance interoperability.
