US Stages Large Naval Exercise in Middle-East
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The United States started massive maritime exercise in the Middle East, with more than 30 countries reportedly participating in the event.
The International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX), which is organized by US Naval Forces Central Command, began Monday in Bahrain, home to the US 5th Fleet.
"These participating nations are united by a common thread – the need to protect the free flow of commerce from a range of maritime threats including piracy, terrorism and mines," said Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan, the commander of US Naval Forces Central Command in a statement.
"This region provides a strong training opportunity for nations worldwide as three of the six major maritime choke points in the world are here: the Suez Canal, the Strait of Bab Al Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz," Donegan said.
The IMCMEX, which ends on April 26, focuses on operations such as mine countermeasures, infrastructure protection, and maritime security operations to protect civilian shipping, Press TV reported.
In addition, new technologies such as unmanned underwater vehicles and the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Choctaw County will be demonstrated.
