Kinmen:Troops stationed in Kinmen conducted live-fire exercises early Tuesday morning, deploying armored vehicles and artillery to engage simulated sea and air targets, the Kinmen Defense Command revealed. The drills, conducted in forward positions in southwestern Kinmen Island and in waters off the island's southern coast, are part of ongoing efforts to enhance combat capabilities and improve troops' responsiveness to threats.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Taiwan-held Kinmen Island, located less than 10 kilometers off China's southeastern coast and about 190 kilometers from the main island of Taiwan, is viewed as a critical defensive position against a potential Chinese invasion. On Tuesday, units under the Kinmen Garrison Battalion engaged in live-fire drills simulating various combat scenarios, including supporting friendly forces, conducting reinforcement operations, and repelling enemy special forces.
The Kinmen Defense Command stated that the exercises included unexpected scenarios simulating enemy amphibious landings and special operations to train troops in responding to gray-zone threats. The weaponry deployed included 20mm cannons, 42mm mortars, 105mm howitzers, 105mm tank guns, 120mm mortars, 155mm cannons, and eight-inch howitzers.
To establish overlapping fields of fire and provide cover for armored vehicle movements, the drills dispersed weapons across multiple positions. Air defense units and the Beiding garrison also participated, offering fire support and coordinating defensive operations with the Kinmen Garrison Battalion. The Team Awareness Kit (TAK) was utilized by all units to enhance communication and command coordination during the exercise.
