DOHA: Two US Navy vessels arrived in the Gulf on Wednesday for a joint exercise with Qatar´s fleet, according to Doha state media. The American boats arrived at Hamad Port south of Doha "to participate in a joint exercise with the Qatari Emiri Navy," according to a Ministry of Defence statement posted on the Qatar News Agency.
It is not clear when the joint exercise was arranged, but it will take place during a time of crisis in the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia and allies have imposed a political and economic "blockade" on Qatar, in protest at Doha´s support for Islamist extremist groups as well as over its ties to Shiite Iran.
The move has been backed by nations including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and others.
Qatar strongly denies the charges and claims neighbouring countries are trying to interfere with its foreign policy.
America´s largest air base in the Middle East, Al-Udeid, is in Qatar.
-
Inside Jeffrey Epstein's troubling final days before suicide -
Woman, five others accused of plot to kill judge 'to free jailed lover' -
Japan’s cherry blossom festival canceled in Fujiyoshida; Here’s what to know -
Florida state employee jailed for over $1.5m fake claims scam -
North Korea executes teens over ‘Squid Game’ as K-Pop crackdown intensifies -
Hong Kong media tycoon 'Jimmy Lai' to be sentenced on Feb. 9: How the world sees it -
Australia, Indonesia sign new security pact to strengthen ties -
Trump declares ‘complete endorsement’ of Sanae Takaichi ahead of crucial snap election