The U.S. and Qatar reportedly collaborated in a joint naval exercise in the Persian Gulf last week, reported AFP. The three-day exercise involved four ships from the U.S. Navy.
Air defense and surface missile simulation drills were among the tests carried out during the exercise, a senior Qatari naval officer told AFP.
The exercise comes in the wake of increased tension in the Gulf. Several countries cut diplomatic ties and closed their borders with Qatar. The U.S. also recently solidified a $12 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets to the gas-rich country.
The U.S. and Qatari navies carry out multiple joint exercises off the Qatari coast annually, per Staff Commander Mohammed Desmal Al-Kuwari. Qatar is also home to Al-Udeid, the largest U.S. air base in the Middle East.
Mackenzie Wolf is an editorial intern for Military Times.
