British troops have been conducting exercises on and around the Falkland Islands amid growing tensions between the UK and Argentina over the sovereignty of the territory.
The Royal Navy, RAF, the Roulement Infantry Company and the Falkland Islands Defence Force carried out drills on July 12, with images of the actions shared on official social media channels.
La Politica Online reported that the purpose of the exercises was to improve the coordination between British military and the Falkland Islands Defence Force.
The commanding officer of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, lauded the team’s performance on X, writing: “Fantastic work by the Fire Support Coy at @BFSouthAtlantic. Good to see the team working in a joint environment.”
However, the exercises come at time where relations between the UK and Argentina are frosty.
Plans to explore for oil around the islands have ramped up tensions on both sides, with Argentine official, Gustavo Melella who is the governor of Tierra del Fuego, saying: “We categorically and forcefully reject the new illegal British action, which aims to carry out a popular consultation in the Malvinas Islands to advance the exploitation and plundering of our hydrocarbon resources in flagrant violation of international law.”
Israeli company Navitas Petroleum recently submitted an environmental impact statement to the Falkland Islands government for drilling 23 wells, which is now conducting a public consultation.
The move is expected to get the green light, creating the possibility of huge cash flows transforming the Islands’ economy.
The Falkland Islands Government insists the oil falls within its territorial boundaries and that it has the right to utilise its own resources as it sees fit.
In a statement, they said: “The Falklands Islands Government, as recognised and supported by the UK Government, has, as per our right to self-determination enshrined within our constitution, the right to utilise our own natural resources.
“The Falkland Islands operates its own national system of petroleum licensing, including exploration, appraisal and production activities related to its offshore hydrocarbon resources which has resulted in the discovery of several substantial offshore oil and gas fields.”
The field is estimated to contain around 300 million barrels of oil, which at today’s market prices would bring in over £25 billion.
