American general oversees military exercise in Emirati desert

US and UAE troops work together on defence exercises outside Abu Dhabi

US Gen James McConville speaks with Lt Gen Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Ameri, commander of the UAE Land Forces, on Tuesday. Wam

American and Emirati troops were in action for war games held in the Abu Dhabi desert this week.

The joint military exercise between ground forces – called Iron Union 12 – was overseen by Lt Gen Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Ameri, commander of the UAE Land Forces and Gen James McConville, US Chief of Staff of the Army.

Lt Gen Al Ameri commended the professional skills demonstrated by the forces of the two countries.

Iron Union 12 has been under way for two weeks. It is aimed at enhancing the combat skills of both countries and how they work together, state news agency Wam reported.

Gen McConville visited Wahat Al Karama on Tuesday, where he laid a wreath in honour of Emirati soldiers who were killed in action.

He wrote a moving message in the visitor's log, expressing his respect for the martyrs of the UAE.