Pak-Saudi joint naval exercise concludes

KARACHI: Pakistan Navy’s (PN) Special Service Group and Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) Special Operation Forces have successfully concluded a two-week bilateral exercise ‘Affa Al Sahil IV’.

The exercise was an important element of bilateral naval cooperation between the two countries. The objectives of the exercise were to improve interoperability, to enhance professional skills, rehearse tactics techniques and procedures and exchange professional experience on maritime counterterrorism operations.

The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase comprised of land/field activities, including, small arms firing, sniper firing, close quarter combat, simulated raid on an enemy target, and night special ops combat tactics. The training in the first phase helped the forces of both the countries in refining the essential skills required for conducting operations at high seas.

In the second phase, special maritime operations at high seas were undertaken to be able to thwart maritime terrorism, piracy and human trafficking. The engagement culminated in the final test exercise which was attended by RSNF Special Operation Forces Commander Commodore Hamdan Saleh Alshehri.

The visiting dignitary appreciated the professionalism and skills displayed by the participating teams and highlighted that the exercise would help in developing synergy in operations against asymmetric and conventional threats. Overall, the exercise achieved all its objectives and remained highly beneficial for both sides.

Pakistan Navy and Royal Saudi naval forces have a rich history of mutual cooperation based on the brotherly ties between the people of both the nations.