As part of the annual combat-readiness drills called Balikatan, military forces from the United States, Australia, and the Philippines launched a display of high-precision rockets, artillery fire, and airstrikes in waters facing the disputed South China Sea. The drills, which started on April 22 and will end on Friday, involved more than 16,000 military personnel from the United States and the Philippines, supported by Australian troops and military observers from 14 countries.
The military exercise took place in Laoag City, in the northern home province of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The drills aimed to showcase the defense capabilities of the allied forces and reinforce the long-standing defense treaty alliance between the United States and the Philippines.
