Joint army drills for US, Thai and South Korean forces

2012-02-10 1

It was a display of military strengths for the U.S., Thailand and South Korea.

Their troops conducted the biggest joint military drill in Asia, also known as Cobra Gold.

In Friday's assault drill, the military personnel focussed on combining sea and air operations.

The joint exercise is the first held this year after the Obama administration announced a strategy to re-engage with Southeast Asia.

But military officials said Washington will not expand their bases in the region.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) DEPUTY COMMANDER OF MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE LIEUTENANT GENERAL KENNETH J. GLUECK, SAYING:

"No, there is no plan to expand military bases in Southeast Asia. We're looking at some more opportunities to go ahead and operate in more different countries on more of a rotational basis but not to establish bases."

The 10-day military exercise aims to enhance their skills needed for peace-keeping and stability operations.

Sophia Soo, Reuters.