Egypt, Jordan conclude Aqaba 2016 military exercises

Egypt and Jordan concluded on Friday joint military drills which began early this month in southern Jordan, state owned MENA agency reported.

Egyptian and Jordanian naval, air, ground and special armed forces participated in the drills, known as Aqaba 2016.

The last stage of exercises included several unorthodox combat activities for counterterrorism, including fighting inside built-up areas, performing raids and rescuing hostages.

The drills also included combing operations and training to identify and dismantle ground mines.

Aqaba 2016 involved deployment of air forces to practice area monitoring and reconnaissance on enemy targets.

Air forces also performed operations for Egyptian and Jordanian paratroopers to encircle targets and inform main forces on how to engage.

Head of Military Exercises of the Egyptian Army Ahmed Wasfy emphasised Egypt’s keenness for a continued cooperation with the Jordanian army, praising the outstanding competence of the forces participating.

His Jordanian counterpart, Mesleh El-Moyata, voiced his appreciation for the capabilities shown by both countries’ forces, adding that the exercises aim to protect both Egyptian and Jordanian security.

Jordan is the latest country that Egypt has carried out joint military exercises with in 2016.

Egypt has carried out 30 joint military exercises in 2016 with 20 Arab and African countries, as well as European countries including France and Russia.

Source: Ahram Online

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