Taiwan Military Uses Civilian Buses to Block Tunnel in Airport Defense Drill

Taiwan's military conducted a large-scale live-fire exercise, "Loyalty Shield 42," simulating the defense of Songshan Airport in Taipei. The drill, held on the evening of August 10, focused on preventing enemy forces from rapidly seizing the airport and advancing on nearby critical government agencies, including the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Operations Command Center.

A notable aspect of the exercise was the innovative use of civilian vehicles. Military police coordinated with civilian resources to deploy two large passenger buses, driven to block the exit of the Fuxing North Road underground tunnel. This tactic aimed to create a significant obstacle, impeding the movement of enemy vehicles and troops.

The exercise is part of a larger anti-airborne operation for Songshan Airport. The tunnel exit is a crucial defensive position, intended to prevent enemy forces emerging from the airport from moving north towards key command centers. While the military police focused on ground defense, the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force were responsible for securing the airport itself.

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The purpose is to prevent enemy forces emerging from Songshan Airport from entering from the south entrance, advancing north towards the Ministry of National Defense and the 'Joint Operations Command Center,' and the Hengshan Command Post.

In addition to the bus blockade, the drill involved a company of military police establishing tactical positions, deploying HESCO mobile barriers, Jersey barriers, anti-tank obstacles, and barbed wire. Surveillance drones were also deployed to monitor the surrounding airspace. The exercise concluded with simulated exchanges of fire, testing the troops' ability to respond to enemy infiltration and harassment.

Officials stated that the exercise verified the mobilization, readiness training, and defensive capabilities of reserve forces. It also aimed to enhance coordination and integration with supporting friendly forces, ensuring a robust defense posture for the capital region.

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The exercise verified the mobilization, readiness training, and defensive capabilities of reserve forces. It also aimed to enhance coordination and integration with supporting friendly forces, creating a favorable posture for defensive operations in the metropolitan area.