Israel, US conclude joint army exercises

The Israeli army announced Thursday that the joint ballistic missile defence exercise dubbed  Juniper Cobra 2018 with the US military has ended.

The Israeli army said the exercises, which took place over the past few weeks were conducted in different scenarios, using live ammunition.

The Israeli military said earlier that the joint military exercise simulates war scenarios on any of the hot fronts in the northern region on the border with Syria and Lebanon and the southern region with Gaza Strip.

During the exercises, Israeli and US forces examined the air military systems, particularly those involved in intercepting missiles, such as the Iron Dome.

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The army statement said the maneuvers aimed at preparing to protect Israel from the threat of ballistic missiles.

“Joint exercises were conducted for Paratroopers and the Marines. The exercises included simulations of urban warfare, neutralization of explosive devices, the use of artillery, the linkage of armoured vehicles and the evacuation of wounded” it said.

The statement pointed out that the exercises included checking the readiness of the emergency services including the ambulance and firefighting.

Juniper Cobra 2018 joint exercise began on 4 March with the participation of more than 2,500 soldiers from the US European Command and about 2,000 soldiers from the Israeli air defence .