Over the past weekend the U.S. “dropped a crack airborne task force into central Thailand” as part of what many see as a clear message to Beijing regarding China’s behavior toward its neighbors.
According to Fox News, the move was part of an “annual multinational exercise known as Cobra Gold,” led by the U.S. and Thailand.
The task force in Thailand carried out a drill to “seize and secure an airfield at Lop Buri, 90 miles north of Bangkok.” This involved “400 parachutists from 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division… based at Fort Richardson, outside of Anchorage.”
“Commanders and analysts” said the exercise was intended to show Beijing “how fast and effective the U.S. can be in supporting its Asian allies.”
Army Col. Matt McFarlane said the exercise also sent a message to our allies – reminding them of U.S. capabilities for those times when they worry “about those who threaten stability and peace in the region.”
Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter @AWRHawkins.
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