RIYADH — The mixed joint naval exercise Abdullah 8, executed by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) kicked off Sunday with the participation of the Special Maritime Security Group in the Western Fleet and the Jordanian Special Forces. The exercise aims to improve and develop the capacity of the participating units to respond quickly to counter terrorist activities, exchange expertise in combating terrorism and handle unexploded ordnance. It also aims to raise efficiency and combat readiness and unify operational concepts between the two sides in the stages of preparation, planning, and implementation. Commander of the Western Fleet Rear Adm. Yahya Bin Mohammed Asiri confirmed that the exercise is an extension of the joint exercises between the two countries, adding that the drill includes two exercises that are launched simultaneously in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as well as many other military activities. Asiri said that the week-long exercise in the Western Fleet aims to strengthen and consolidate relations between the two countries in mixed military training, and to contribute to developing and raising the combat readiness of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Units and Jordanian Special Operations, noting that the two sides will carry out various drills and military hypotheses using live ammunition. — SPA