US special forces ready to step up combat drills in Philippines and help deter aggression in Asia

American special operations forces are poised to intensify combat readiness exercises in the Philippines and other Asian nations, as part of a broader effort to bolster security alliances and deter potential conflicts, according to a U.S. military official. Adm. Frank Bradley, commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, visited the Philippines after touring South Korea and plans to travel to Japan for further discussions with military officials.

The primary objective of these exercises is to reinforce the Philippines' ongoing modernization efforts and to strengthen joint combat drills with the U.S. and other allies, with the ultimate goal of preempting a major conflict in the region. Bradley emphasized that a collaborative alliance, wherein each member invests in defense and conducts regular joint exercises, is the most effective deterrent against an adversary seeking to instigate a conflict.