US, Oman conduct joint military drills

<p>By Viola Fahmy</p> <p>MUSCAT (AA) – The U.S. and Omani militaries have begun conducting joint maneuvers in southern Oman, according to the Oman News Agency (ONA).</p> <p>“The Omani Royal Army and the U.S. Marine Corps have begun joint exercises — dubbed ‘Sea Soldier’ — with the support of the Omani Air Force,” ONA reported on Thursday.</p> <p>According to the news agency, the joint drills are being held in Oman’s southern Rabkot region.</p> <p>On Sunday, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Omani Defense Ministry signed a framework agreement aimed at enhancing military relations.</p> <p>The agreement will reportedly allow U.S. military forces to utilize a number of Oman’s seaports and airports, including the strategic Duqm Seaport.</p> <p><br></p> <p>*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat</p>