Saudi navy to take part in large US-led int'l drill
Xinhua
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USS John S. McCain (L) is seen at sea off Singapore's Changi Naval Base, on Aug. 21, 2017. (Photo: Xinhua)

RIYADH, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Saudi navy will take part in the US-led IMX 19, the world's largest multinational mixed naval exercise, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday.

The drill will be held in the northern Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, the coast of Djibouti and Gulf of Aqaba from Oct. 27.

The naval war games will see the participation of 56 countries and six international organizations.

As the most comprehensive exercise in the world, IMX 19 aims at fostering interoperability between supporting forces and maritime security operations through cooperation of the participating forces.

The drill is also intended to deter threats to the freedom of navigation and demonstrate global determination to maintain the freedom of navigation and free flow of maritime trade.