The Army's Penghu Defense Command conducted a nighttime live-fire exercise last night at 10pm to test troops' combat readiness on the island county.
The drill, the December edition of the military's Chen Chiang exercises, saw troops engage simulated enemy attacks in a simulated scenario from operations command.
In addition to ground-based troops, air force jets and navy vessels were deployed to patrol the Taiwan Strait’s median line to ensure security.
Photo courtesy of the Army Penghu Defense Command
To ensure the drill’s safety, prior to commencing, soldiers prepared ammunition resupplies and inspected their vehicles after nightfall.
Armored vehicles and tanks conducted firing exercises, receiving support from artillery to provide cover for infantry units to execute maneuvers on the coast.
During the exercise, artillery fire and simulated attacks lit up the night sky.
The purpose of the drill was to train the troops in night-time operations and combat, Penghu Defense Command head General Kuo Chun-te (郭俊德), said.
This is to ensure they are always ready, which is necessary as the threat from the enemy grows, he added.
All officers and soldiers must be vigilant and in a constant state of readiness to demonstrate the army’s power, enhance the country’s resilience and guarantee the security of the Taiwan Strait, he said.
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