Saudi - French maneuvers

The Saudi and French naval forces started their joint naval exercises "Red Shark 1" in the international waters off the coasts of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea.

The Saudi news agency quoted the commander of the western fleet Lt. Gen. Dakheel Allah al- Waqadani as saying that the Saudi and French naval forces started the exercise since May 19 and will continue until may 29.

The agency added that the Saudi naval forces are taking part with 8 naval vessels of very advanced ships, as well as planes and gun-ships while the French naval forces are taking part with the plane carrier "Charles De Gaulle " and several French advanced naval vessels.