A joint GCC maritime drill “Ittihad (Union) 18” kicked off in Bahrain Monday at Salman Naval Base, in the presence of Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) Assistant Chief of Staff for Supply and Logistics Rear Admiral Yusuf Ahmed Malallah, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The military exercise, which is jointly carried out by the Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) and the GCC naval forces, will continue till March 16 and aims to boost the combat readiness and the spirit of cooperation in facing challenges and unifying the concept of joint operations to protect sea borders and fight terrorism. 

Kuwaiti Naval Force Commander Saleh Al-Adwani told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the exercise comes as part of a routine joint drill to increase the level of combat skills among GCC forces.

“The exercise aims at boosting cooperation among the GCC countries, especially amid various challenges facing the region. The Kuwaiti Navy is participating with four navy multi-task vessels and members of highly skilled Special Forces units,” Al-Adwani added.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa received on Monday Muscat-based Indian Military Attaché to Bahrain Colonel Hariharan.

He welcomed the Indian officer, commending the deep rooted friendship binding Bahrain and India. Issues of mutual concern were also discussed. 

The meeting was attended by BDF General Command Court Acting Director Major-General Hassan Mohammed Sa'ad and Military Cooperation Director Brigadier Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa.