US conducts amphibious assault drills in Thailand
The US Marine Corps has sent a large number of troops to Thailand to participate in the Cobra Gold exercise, an annual event since 1982. In 2018, a total of 11,075 soldiers from 29 countries participated.
Initially intended to strengthen ties between the United States and its oldest ally in Southeast Asia, Cobra Gold has since grown to include many countries in the region. In 2018, a total of 11,075 troops from 29 countries participated.
According to Business Insider, the US almost doubled its contribution to this year's exercise, deploying 6,800 troops. "This is the largest multilateral exercise in the Indo-Pacific region. It demonstrates the US commitment to the region," Business Insider quoted Steve Castonguay, a spokesman for the US embassy in Bangkok.
Some impressive images of Cobra Gold 2018:
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| Amphibious assault training is a focus of Cobra Gold. Photo: Reuters |
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| Amphibious assault vehicles approach Hat Yao beach in Chonburi province, eastern Thailand. Photo: AP |
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| Image taken from behind. Photo: US Marines |
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| Vehicles approaching Hat Yao beach. Photo: AP |
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| Marines leave their armored vehicles as soon as they reach shore. Photo: AP |
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| Marines from South Korea play a big role in this year's exercises. Photo: Reuters |
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| Helicopters from above support soldiers on the ground to surround the enemy. Photo: AP |
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| Larger aircraft could be deployed to carry more troops and reinforce allied forces. Photo: Reuters |
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| As soon as they reach the shore, the soldiers will use their guns... Photo: Reuters |
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| ... and explosive devices. Photo: AP |
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| The atmosphere became tense. Photo: AP |
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| The US is doubling its contribution to this year's exercise. Photo: AP |
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| The US wants to demonstrate that it continues to maintain a large presence in the Pacific. Photo: Reuters |
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| Jungle survival exercises are part of Cobra Gold. Photo: Reuters |
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| Several high-ranking officers attended the exercise, including General Robert B. Neller of the US Marine Corps. Photo: US Marine Corps |
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