March 31, 2022 – 16:03
The beach landing and coastal defense maneuvers were part of one of the largest combat exercises in years between the Allies.
CLAVERIA — Assault weapons at the ready, U.S. and Philippine Marines stepped out of amphibious vehicles and helicopters to defend an island from would-be aggressors in a warfare exercise and display of U.S. firepower held Thursday in northern Philippines.
The exercise, held in the remote city of Clavería, across the sea from China and Taiwan, is part of a strategy unveiled in February by the US government to significantly expand US engagement in the Indo-Pacific region through strengthening a network of alliances and security partnerships, with an emphasis on countering China’s growing influence and ambitions.
The exercise of combat, Witnessed by invited journalists, it ended with Allied forces securing the island before it could be taken by invaders, in a stark warning to would-be aggressors in a region with multiple trouble spots.
“In effect, we must improve our preparedness for external aggression,” said Philippine regional military commander Maj. Gen. Lawrence Mina, speaking to reporters as Marines took up fighting positions on the beach and in a narrow trench under the scorching summer heat.
“It is time, because we never know if we will be involved in the events that are taking place on the international scene,” he said. “At least we are prepared.”
Landing maneuvers on the beach and defense of the coast were part of one of the largest training of combat in years between the allies. The exercise will include live-fire drills, airstrikes, urban warfare and civic projects primarily in the northern and western Philippines, which faces the disputed South China Sea.
Col. Timothy Brady Jr., who commands the US Marines’ 3rd Littoral Regiment, said he was “very pleased” with the outcome of the mock beach drills, which began in the nearby coastal town of Aparri.
“Certainly the goal of what we’re doing is to demonstrate the strength of the alliance as well as the commitment to regional security,” Brady said.
SOURCE: AP