Military Exercises Between Australia and the U.S. Halt After Helicopter Crash

Joint military exercises between Australia and the United States were halted today, Saturday, after a helicopter belonging to the Australian Defence Force crashed into the ocean off the coast of Queensland. It is believed that at least four people died following the incident, which occurred when the helicopter fell into the waters near Hamilton Island, approximately 890 kilometers north of Brisbane, the state capital, late on Friday night. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated on Saturday morning that the mission to locate the missing helicopter and its crew of four is underway in the area. Brigadier Damian Hill, the director of the military exercises known as "Talisman Sabre," mentioned that the exercises were paused following the crash. In an official statement, he added, "We have initiated a temporary suspension of the Talisman Sabre exercises across Australia for all participants to enable them, regardless of nationality, to communicate with their families and inform them of what is happening." The exercises, which last for two weeks, involve more than 30,000 troops and participants from 11 other countries as a show of strength and unity amid the growing Chinese military presence in the region. The exercises are conducted at various locations across Australia and include simulations of ground and air combat as well as amphibious landing operations.