Egypt, Turkey conduct joint naval exercise

MEDITERRANEAN

While Iran held a major naval exercise in the Persian Gulf, a similar maneuver was carried out not far from Israel. The Turkish and Egyptian Navies concluded several days ago one of the biggest military exercises held in the region in recent months, Ynet news reported yesterday. Egyptian media published footage from the drill, called “Sea of Friendship,” with classical music in the background. Dozens of Turkish and Egyptian vessels took part in the exercise, as well as F-16 jets and helicopters. The forces simulated a frontal clash between naval forces in which they exercised methods of defense in high seas, faced hostile vessels and fired live ammunition at aircraft. The published images showed the naval commando units and submariners of both countries exercising together.