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Anti-sea mine exercise

KUALA LUMPUR: Navies from 21 nations were taking part in counterterrorism exercises in the South China Sea on Wednesday, in efforts Malaysia's armed forces chief hoped would prepare the region to cope in the event of a maritime attack. The navies from 21 Pacific nations, including the U.S., Australia and Japan, are gathered on the east coast of Malaysia for the third Western Pacific Mine Counter Measure and Diving Exercise, said Malaysia's Defence Ministry in a statement. After launching the biennial exercise late on Tuesday, Malaysia's armed forces chief Adm. Mohamad Anwar Mohamad Nor told The Star newspaper the operations would help boost regional cooperation against maritime terrorism. Eighteen ships, 157 divers and other personnel are involved in the 12-day exercise to hunt, defuse and destroy mines in coastal waters of the South China Sea, Mr. Anwar said. — AP

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