Pakistan, US navies conduct wargames

KARACHI—Pakistani and U.S. naval forces began a series of exercises on Monday aimed at improving counter-terrorism capabilities, a Pakistani navy spokesman said.
The exercises, named 'Inspired Union', will be held in three phases and are expected to last for two weeks, Lieutenant Commander Salman Ali said.
Pakistan has been a U.S. ally for decades but it became a key partner in the U.S.-led war on terrorism after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.
The exercises in the Arabian Sea will involve the U.S. aircraft carrier Enterprise, the guided missile frigate USS Nicholas, the guided missile destroyer USS McFaul and the attack submarine USS Albuquerque.
From the Pakistani side, three ships, a submarine and aircraft will take part.
"The purpose of these exercises is to gain experience in advanced maritime interdiction operations to counter terrorism," Ali said.
The two navies, which have held exercises before, were aiming to improve their ability to work together in a range of areas, he said.
"The exercises are aimed at countering everything from smuggling, drug trafficking, as well as the miscellaneous threats from terrorism," Ali said.—Agencies