Phl participates in 23-nation military exercises in Nepal

MANILA, Philippines - Military troops from the Philippines are participating in military exercises in Nepal as part of a training for UN peacekeeping missions in areas hit by conflicts.

The Nepalese army said the two-week exercises organized by its government with the United States will promote regional security and enhance peacekeeping capabilities.

A total of 871 soldiers from 23 countries will participate in the exercises, which started on Monday and will end on April 7.

The other countries participating in the exercises are Australia, Britain, Canada, Japan, Jordan, South Korea and Thailand.

They will train in skills used for peacekeeping operations such as patrolling, checkpoint controls and convoy operations.

"The focus is to learn and practice ways of peacekeeping skills in the realistic environment as well as learn from each nation's participants," said Lt. Gen. Thomas Conant of the U.S. Pacific Command.

The Philippines has been sending soldiers on UN peacekeeping missions. Recently, 21 Filipino members of a UN peacekeeping mission in Syria were briefly held by rebels. Associated Press