U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced Wednesday that his country intends to conduct joint military maneuvers in Egypt mid-September, despite the ouster of President Mohammad Mursi and the prevailing unrest.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced Wednesday that his country intends to conduct joint military maneuvers in Egypt mid-September, despite the ouster of President Mohammad Mursi and the prevailing unrest.

The joint maneuvers, known as "Bright Star" and viewed as the cornerstone of the Egyptian-American military relations, date back to 1981, after the Israeli-Egyptian Camp David Accords.

An American military official stated that the United States will keep contacting the Egyptian officials regarding "Bright Star" maneuvers, before conducting them.

"At present, the maneuvers are expected to be somewhat smaller than they were in 2009," the official added.