RIYADH — Saudi Royal Naval Forces will host the US Navy at King Abdulaziz Naval Base in the Eastern Fleet in a mixed naval exercise, which starts next week. The ‘Marine Defender’ exercise is an extension of a series of previous joint exercises between the two countries, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The exercise aims to raise combat readiness to maintain freedom of maritime navigation. The exercise enhances maritime security in the region and unifies the concepts of naval combat work. — SPA