<p>RIYADH (AA) – Saudi and British military forces have begun holding joint exercises in the kingdom’s northwestern region, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.</p> <p>Dubbed "Desert Soldiers 3", the exercises are aimed at enhancing participants’ fighting capabilities and combat readiness, according to the SPA.</p> <p>Recent months have seen a plethora of joint military drills in the Arab Gulf region, including the “Bright Star” wargames (held in Egypt last September); “Arab Shield 1” (held in Egypt last November); and “Peninsula Shield” (held in Saudi Arabia in February).</p> <p>*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat</p>