PHOTO: AFPA US-led maritime exercise including 60 nations and organisations has kicked off in and around Gulf waters with Israel joining for the first time alongside nations that do not recognise it. It includes a number of countries -- among them Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Oman and Yemen -- that do not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Also read: Pakistan will never recognise Israel: Palestinian studentsHowever, Saudi Arabia and Israel share the same desire to contain their common foe Iran. Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee tweeted Monday that Israel would "for the first time take part" in the IMX drill. In November, the UAE and Bahrain launched joint naval exercises with Israel for the first time.

Source: The Express Tribune February 02, 2022 03:03 UTC