UNIPATH STAFF
Egyptian forces enhanced combat skills during joint exercises with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates in March 2017.
The Hamad 2 and Zayed 2 drills, held in Manama and Abu Dhabi, involved infantries, navies and air forces in drills that emphasized combating terrorism, disabling improvised explosive devices, freeing hostages, and training in self-defense and martial arts.
The final stages of the drills involved reconnaissance missions, as well as training to block naval landings, raid beaches and pre-empt chemical attacks.
“Joint military exercises will improve the combat readiness of our military to confront various threats on different battlefields,” said Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Khalifa, Bahrain Defense Force commander in chief.
The exercise aims to emphasize the historic and strategic relations among the countries, strengthen military ties, increase their military readiness, develop capabilities and enrich military expertise.
These exercises were an extension of the 2014 Zayed 1 exercise, which took place in Abu Dhabi. According to attending military officials, the exercise demonstrated a high level of coordination and integration.
Sources: NewsofBahrain.com, Marsad Egypt, European Affairs Media, Daily News Egypt