More than 1,000 troops are currently participating in this year’s five-day Golden Hanuman live-ammunition military training exercises in Kampot province’s Chumkiri district, aimed at enhancing the nation’s military capabilities, Sochan reports in The Phnom Penh Post.

General Hun Manet at the opening of the 2019 Golden Hanuman exercise (Picture source: Hun Manet via Facebook)

The Ministry of National Defense website on Sunday, May 5, said that weapons and equipment used in the drills, which began on Saturday and will finish on Wednesday, include 152mm and 122mm artillery field guns, 23mm and 37mm air defense guns, multiple rocket launchers, tanks and armored vehicles, ambulances, firetrucks and transportation trucks.

Hun Manet, who is the elder son of Prime Minister Hun Sen and deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and commander of its infantry, said the Golden Hanuman military drills aim to show any potentially “hostile elements” that the RCAF are loyal to their legitimate government and are ready and able to protect the constitution and stand firm in defense of the nation.

Affiliated Network for Social Accountability executive director San Chey told The Phnom Penh Post on Sunday that the term “hostile elements” used by Manet was undesirable because it can lead to confusion whether it is being used in a peaceful manner or implies something different.

General Hun Manet being briefed about the use of anti-aircraft guns demonstration during Golden Hanuman 2019 (Picture source: unidentified)