Saturday marked the beginning of a combined military exercise between Saudi and American forces in the Red Sea region of Yanbu, according to the Saudi state news agency.
The month-long “Native Fury 22” exercise involves combined tactics, interoperability, and logistical operations between Saudi forces and US naval counterparts, according to the Saudi press agency.
Saudi general Saud al-Okaili stated that the purpose of the exercise is to train on bilateral military and operational plans and exchange expertise between the two sides.
Tuesday marked the arrival of US naval forces in the oil-rich monarchy to participate in the exercise.
The US State Department announced on August 3 that it had approved the sale of 300 Patriot missiles and other military equipment to Saudi Arabia for $3.05 billion.
According to Washington, the agreement will enhance Saudi Arabia’s capabilities to counter existing and future threats.
