KARACHI, March 9: An international peace-keeping and counter-terror naval exercise in the Arabian Sea entered the second phase on Monday.

Ships, aircraft and special forces of 38 navies carried out different exercises, including depth charges, heli-landing on the deck, commando operations, replenishment at sea and life-saving operations.

Submarines also took part in the Aman 09 exercise, organised by Pakistan Navy. A media team was taken on board Pakistan Navy ships to witness the exercise.

Journalists were briefed on Pakistan’s threat perception and navy’s role in ensuring security of the country and keeping sea lanes open and secure for trade.

Besides Pakistan, 15 warships and more than 2,000 sailors from 38 countries are taking part in the exercise.

The exercise is being held amid increasing acts of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa.

It is important from Pakistan’s point of view because the epicentre of international maritime threat has moved closer to the region and the force has to spare its assets to participate in international naval operations against pirates.

Pakistan Navy is looking at the exercise as an opportu- nity to play a significant role in capacity-building for the conduct of multi-national exercises.
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