US, Kuwaiti maneuvers start today

A statement released by the US embassy in Kuwait on Tuesday said that some 1,500 US soldiers will take part starting today in maneuvers with the Kuwaiti army.

The statement said the maneuvers which are named "Intrinsic Action 98-3," expected to continue from August until December, aim at "strengthening the capacities of the Kuwaiti army and avail a rapid deployment for the US army in the region" as well as developing cooperation between the two countries' armies.

Following the Gulf War in 1991, Kuwait signed military cooperation agreements with the US. The agreements especially pertain to conducting joint military maneuvers. Hundreds of US troops have been continuously stationed in North Kuwait, MENA reported.