The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council hasS created a joint naval and police force in response to their mutual concerns over Iran’s growing nuclear prowess and the rise of Sunni Muslim radical groups.
The force was created at a regional conference held in Qatar, according to a report broadcast on Israel public radio.
Six nations from around the Persian Gulf will each send representatives to the regional force, and supplement it with a common fleet.
The new naval force is to be headquartered in Bahrain. A new regional police force is to be administered from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Both are intended to fight terrorism and organized crime, particularly due to Iran’s growing influence in the region, and the rise of Sunni Muslim extremist groups, according to the report.
