U.S. and Thailand Conduct Military Drills in Southeast Asia
Military drills. X/ @AnalisisUrbano
February 26, 2025 Hour: 9:52 am
These large-scale exercises are taking place amid an ongoing power struggle between China and the U.S. in the Pacific region.
From February 25 to March 7, over 8,000 soldiers from the United States and 29 other countries are participating in the Cobra Gold military exercises in Thailand.
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The defense forces, including approximately 3,200 U.S. troops, will engage in various combat and humanitarian cooperation scenarios across three regions in eastern Thailand. Among the key drills are live-fire exercises scheduled for the final day, involving ground troops, Navy ships, and Air Force aircraft.
“The objectives of the Cobra Gold exercise are to strengthen military relations among allied nations, enhance joint operational planning capabilities, and deploy military forces in various crisis scenarios,” the Thai Army stated.
Military personnel from South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore are also taking part in the exercises. Meanwhile, troops from China and India will participate solely in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.
Service members from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, France, the Philippines, Fiji, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom will be involved in select drills.
Additionally, military representatives from Germany, Brazil, Cambodia, Italy, Kuwait, Laos, Pakistan, Sweden, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam will participate as observers.
These large-scale exercises, which began more than four decades ago during the Cold War, are taking place amid an ongoing power struggle between China and the United States in the Pacific region, with Beijing expanding its military operations and drills in the area.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE
