KARACHI: As part of ongoing Multinational Exercise AMAN-17, being hosted by Pakistan Navy, Special Operations Forces of Pakistan Navy and participating countries presented maritime counterterrorism exercises at Manora on Saturday. Sri Lankan Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral RC Wijegunaratne was the chief guest. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah was also present. A PN press release read the rise of terrorism and instability at global level has changed the nature of how nations engage with both friends and foes. Special Forces worldwide find themselves in non-conventional wars, peculiar operations and home defense missions which were unseen just a decade ago.
Special Forces play a unique role that include tracking of terrorist cells and leaders, disrupting insurgent campaigns and building relationships with international partners for ensuring peace and stability.
The exercises were a fine display of strength and specialized skills by Special Operations Forces of Pakistan Navy and participating countries-to-counter acts of maritime terrorism, refine special operating procedures, exchange of professional expertise and to enhance interoperability with participating Special Operations Forces teams.
The demonstrations while using versatile platforms included fast maneuvers by Hovercrafts, Military Assault and VBSS boats, water scooters, skim past by hovercrafts and Special Forces Boats (SFBs), insertion of Air Assault Teams through helicopters, para-jumps by SSGNs/commandos, frogman attacks, coordinated beach assault and reinforcement followed by extraction.
Pakistan Navy Special Forces conduct regular exercises with foreign Special Forces to keep abreast of the latest techniques in special warfare. The demonstration is a string of same scheme depicting firm dedication of Pakistan Navy to meet the challenges regarding maritime terrorism issues. Earlier, an international bands display was also presented by the bands of participating countries of AMAN 17, aiming to connect the countries through cultural heritage as well. The military bands from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Pakistan played a mix of their traditional and military tunes.
The enchanting melodies mesmerized the audience and were really praised. Personnel of the participating navies, observers, diplomats and officials of armed forces witnessed the demonstration.
