Sint-Laureins (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Belgian soldiers are training for a week in Watervliet, Boekhoute, and Sint-Laureins, focusing on protecting and simulating the destruction of bridges along the Leopold Canal, no real explosives used.
As VRT News reported, Belgian soldiers are currently engaged in a week-long training exercise in the northern part of East Flanders, specifically in Watervliet, Boekhoute, and Sint-Laureins, a municipality in the province of East Flanders, Belgium. The focus of this training is on bridges.
The training teaches soldiers how to quickly and effectively destroy bridges if needed. They practice finding weak points in the structures, setting up fake explosives, and coordinating safe exits. Officials mentioned that these exercises are essential to keep military engineers skilled in managing infrastructure on the battlefield, particularly in areas where waterways and bridges are key for movement.
How are Belgian soldiers training to protect and simulate bridge destruction in East Flanders?
According to officials, the Belgian military’s training in East Flanders isn’t just about destroying bridges; it’s also about keeping them safe. Soldiers are practising how to maintain and protect bridges, which is important for civilians, military convoys, and aid missions.
They’re building temporary bridges and securing existing ones. They mentioned that the area’s canals and rivers are perfect for these exercises. The military works with local authorities to cause as little trouble as possible. This training helps the army be ready for both war and emergencies that involve important transport routes.
Military training in the Watervliet, Boekhoute, and Sint-Laureins area involves no real explosives or damage. Instead, soldiers use fake charges and pretend explosions for their exercises. This is similar to the training done in the same area last year.
They mentioned that this method allows military engineers and combat units to practice bridge demolition skills, like placing charges and timing explosions, without any danger to people or infrastructure. The training is designed to be safe and not disruptive to the local community.
According to officials, the military is training along the Leopold Canal because it’s a perfect spot for their exercises. The canal has no boats, so the soldiers can train without interruption. The area is quiet and safe, with bridges that aren’t used much, so there’s little impact on locals. The flat land and many water crossings provide a realistic training ground for soldiers who are practising how to destroy and protect bridges.
Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
