US, Israel, Turkey to stage military exercises in Mediterranean

US, Israel, Turkey to stage military exercises in Mediterranean

(AFP) – 1 hour ago

JERUSALEM — The United States, Israel and Turkey will launch joint military exercises in the Mediterranean next week, the Israeli army said Tuesday.

The navies and air forces of the three countries will take part in the drills, dubbed "Reliant Mermaid X", from August 17 to 21.

"The objective of this exercise is to practice coordinated emergency search and rescue procedures and measures for safety of life at sea," the Israeli army said in a statement.

Eight ships, four helicopters and three search and rescue aircraft will take part. Hosted by Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean, it is the 10th such exercise in as many years between the allies.

Israel and the US are linked by a strategic cooperation agreement.

Turkey is Israel's principal ally in the region and both countries have close economic ties following a military cooperation agreement in 1996.

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