U.S. Army holds training exercise in Belize

Citizens who have spotted strange aircraft flying over various parts of Belize are asked not to be alarmed. What appears to be an invasion is in fact an emergency evacuation exercise being conducted by none other than the U.S. Army. According to a government press release, the Ministry of Defence has approved the exercises being carried out by the U.S. Southern Command. The training will simulate the emergency evacuation of personnel from airstrips in Belize City, Belmopan, Dangriga, San Pedro and Caye Caulker, as well as Price Barracks in Ladyville and the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City. Rehearsals took place this afternoon with the main action kicking off Wednesday and lasting until eleven that night. Seven Blackhawk and two Chinook helicopters will provide airlift with a small number of soldiers facilitating logistics on the ground. The exercise maintains the U.S. Army’s readiness to carry out such operations at short notice. Why this particular exercise is being carried out in Belize is presumably to promote friendly relations as well as preparing the U.S. soldiers to operate on unfamiliar terrain.