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International military drills Operation Summer Shield start in Latvia

More than 1,100 troops participate in the exercise, the maneuvers will continue up to March 31

RIGA, March 22. /TASS/. Large-scale international military drills codenamed Operation Summer Shield XXII have started in Latvia, the Latvian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

More than 1,100 troops from Latvia, Lithuania, US, UK, Canada and Luxembourg participate in the exercise. The maneuvers will continue up to March 31.

The exercise will include two stages. The first stage will take place on March 23-28, with theoretical and practical exercise. The second stage will be held on March 29-31 and include field tactical exercise in daytime and at night with the use of artillery, with the aim of integrating and coordinating fire support for infantry during ground operations.

The drills have been held annually in Latvia since 2004. Last years, more than 600 servicemen from Latvia, Estonia and US took part in the drills.

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