South Asia security · April 2026

The US and the Philippines began their largest-ever joint military exercises, with 17,000 Philippine troops mobilized and Japan participating for the first time, as the drills near Taiwan test combat readiness amid the ongoing Middle East conflict and Chinese objections. A Myanmar air strike near the border left a bomb on Thai soil in Mae Hong Son, prompting evacuations, as the Thai navy warned of a response if Cambodian troops crossed the border. The US fired on and seized an Iranian cargo ship, shaking the ceasefire, as Indonesia reported 15 killed during a military operation in Papua. A Nigerian was arrested in Bangkok over an alleged cocaine ring, and a blocked gambling site saw a surge in Singapore-related bets.