Taipei: Various types of wheeled infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) cruised through the streets of Taipei Thursday as the military police conducted a drill to protect key facilities in Taiwan's capital, the Military News Agency reported.

According to Focus Taiwan, the "combat reconnaissance patrol drill," conducted by the 239th Military Police Mechanized Infantry Battalion, included CM33 and CM34 IFVs, which rapidly maneuvered to tactical positions. The exercise aimed to improve tactical deployment and on-site response capabilities through readiness inspections, command-and-control communications, logistical support, and security measures, bolstering defense strength in the garrison area.

The 239th Battalion is the only armored unit permanently stationed in Taipei and is tasked with special security duties at venues visited by the president and vice president during peacetime. It also serves as a dedicated combat-ready force responsible for safeguarding the capital. The unit is headquartered in the Dazhi neighborhood, with forces deployed around the Bo'ai Special Zone, where the Presidential Office building is located, to enable rapid response and support during contingencies.

The recent capture of ousted Venezuelan President Nicol¡s Maduro in January by the United States has led to discussions in Taiwan about the possibility of a similar "decapitation strike" by China's People's Liberation Army targeting Taiwan's president. Addressing these concerns, Vice Defense Minister Hsu Szu-chien stated last month that the defense ministry has established rules of engagement for contingencies and that Taiwan's armed forces are prepared for "all kinds of scenarios."