RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is conducting live-fire drills during war games under way in the Gulf as tensions simmer with Iran.
"Exercise Gulf Shield 1 has begun with naval ships, aircraft, marines and “special units,” the Saudi Press Agency said.
The maneuvers are also taking place in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman.
Navy Commodore Majid Al-Qahtani said the exercises include “shooting of live ammunition” as part of the effort to improve combat readiness and protect the kingdom’s waters “against any possible aggression.”
Saudi Arabia and Iran — which lie on opposite sides of the Gulf — have no diplomatic relations and are at odds over regional issues including the wars in Syria and Yemen.
The Royal Saudi Navy says the latest exercise is part of a series.
Saudi Arabia checks war preparedness
Saudi Arabia checks war preparedness
