On 21 January 2013, FALINTIL-Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) initiated the 3rd Cobra Operation at their Fatuhada Headquarters. The military exercise will take place at Welaluhu suco, Fatuberlihu sub-district, Manufahi District. The objective of the exercise is to learn how to conduct a tactical operation in the field, increase the capacity of the force and keep a good rapport with the population.
In his opening speech, Secretary of State for Defense Júlio Tomás Pinto stated that this exercise is part of the effort to increase the capacity and professionalism of F-FDTL in the field. He further stated that the 3rd Cobra Operation, as it takes place at the beginning of 2013, is intended to show to the world that F-FDTL is prepared to serve the people and the nation, in accordance with military regulations.
“I call upon you to behave with discipline so that the population recognises that you are disciplined and that you strictly obey military regulations and rules, in accordance with the hierarchical structure of Command,” Júlio Tomás Pinto said.
Brigadier-General Filomeno Paixão stated that this is not the first exercise being conducted. Other identical exercises have already been conducted in the Eastern part of the country and the need existed to also conduct such an exercise in the Southern part of the territory. This time we chose this area to conduct the 3rd Cobra Operation because F-FDTL has many new members who are not yet familiar with the terrain in this part of the country.
“This exercise involves all components of the General Staff, notably the Terrestrial Component (CT), the Service Support Component (CAS), the Theoretical and Practical Training Component (CFT), the Naval Component (CN) and the Military Police (PM). The exercise is led by the Joint-Operation Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Cesário Marçal Ximenes “Haksolok”, and by the Tactical Operation Commander, Major João da Costa Esteves, and includes activities such as reviewing and ambush planning, as well as other military activities”, Brigadier-General Filomeno Paixão informed.