US and Philippine armed forces fired missiles and artillery to thwart a simulated invasion in the Philippines' northern waters facing Taiwan on Monday during the annual Balikatan exercises.
LAOAG, Ilocos Norte - US and Philippine armed forces fired missiles and artillery to thwart a simulated invasion in the Philippines' northern waters facing Taiwan on Monday, in a show of military force and strengthening ties as regional tensions rise.About 200 soldiers took turns defending the shores of the coastal city of Laoag in Ilocos Norte, launching Javelin missiles and firing howitzers and machine guns to repel an unnamed enemy trying to storm the beach.
Laoag City is about 408 km from Taiwan's southernmost point.'Not for messaging'US Marines Lieutenant General Michael Cederholm, commander of joint task force Balikatan, told reporters on Monday the exercises were meant to improve how the forces operate alongside each other and were not directed against a specific adversary."We don't do this for any third party. We don't do this for messaging.
PH-US Balikatan Exercises US Marine Corps Michael Cederholm
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