Politics
10:06, 19-Feb-2018
US, Asian troops hit the beach for ‘Cobra Gold’ military drills
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While world leaders talked security at the Munich Security Conference, massive military exercises were underway in Thailand. "Cobra Gold" is held every year, with the US and countries from across Asia participating.
The largest military exercises in Asia turned a Thai beach into a battlefield: A Thai F-16 fighter jet roared down the coast, dropping its payload just off the beach. A few moments later, another strike hit on land. Off the coast, the USS Bonhomme Richard led a small armada of naval vessels, while dinghies with elite Navy SEALS advanced with the first wave troops to hit the shore.
After several years of scaled back operations, the American military doubled its presence, keen to engage with allies.
US and Asian soldiers begin military exercises in Korat, Thailand, February 14, 2018. /CGTN Photo
US and Asian soldiers begin military exercises in Korat, Thailand, February 14, 2018. /CGTN Photo
"We have to be able to operate together, work together, serve interoperably to deal with all manner of crises and natural disasters that occur," US Ambassador to Thailand Glyn T. Davies said.
This year’s show of force comes amid a growing crisis on the Korean Peninsula.
US and Asian soldiers begin military exercises in Korat, Thailand, February 14, 2018. /CGTN Photo
US and Asian soldiers begin military exercises in Korat, Thailand, February 14, 2018. /CGTN Photo
As the amphibious landing craft approached the beach, they launched smoke canisters to disguise their advance. There was no disguising the troops in the advance position, however, as the carriers rolled onto the beach and the troops rolled out.
The beach landing exercise was spearheaded by the Republic of Korea's (ROK) Marines. This is the type of exercise they’ve been practicing for the last six months with their colleagues from the US, perhaps in preparedness for any sort of offensive action against Pyongyang.
Senior brass, however, were not keen to talk about the growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
"I don’t think that’s relevant," according to Brigadier General Choi Yong-so. "This exercise went according to plan, and we don’t have any contingency situation affecting the exercise."
US and Asian soldiers begin military exercises in Korat, Thailand, February 14, 2018. /CGTN Photo
US and Asian soldiers begin military exercises in Korat, Thailand, February 14, 2018. /CGTN Photo
It’s no coincidence the ROK forces were the closest to the media’s cameras, and that they have increased their profile at this year’s Cobra Gold. According to a US Marines commander, it is essential that they practice drills like this with their allies.
"I work with the ROK all the time, some of my closest friends are ROK 1st Division Marines, and my counterpart is 3rd Division Marines US. The Thais are the same way," Assistant Commander Colonel Michael Kuhn said.
"In my opinion, we can’t do this enough."
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