US, Filipino Marines hold joint amphibious drills

Hundreds of troops from American and Filipino Marines took part in a joint amphibious beach raid on Thursday as part of the Balikatan (shoulder-shoulder) exercise in Zambales. This year's drill incorporated the US Marines Corps' F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

Zambales: American and Filipino Marines held a joint amphibious beach raid on Thursday as part of the Balikatan (shoulder-shoulder) exercise in Zambales.

The drill involved hundreds of troops from both countries.

USS Wasp, the US Navy's amphibious warship, and the Philippine Navy ship Davao Del Sur participated in the beach assault exercise about 120 nautical miles from the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

This year's drill also incorporated the US Marines Corps' F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

The Balikatan exercises are aimed at demonstrating both countries' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and their ability to support allies in the case of a crisis or natural disaster.