Taiwan's elite troops now guarding airport in Taipei

Taipei, March 23 (CNA) Photographs of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) touring Taipei's Songshan Airport confirm a months-long rumor that elite Taiwanese Marines have been deployed to guard the facility.

In a series of photographs released by the Presidential Office following Lai's inspection tour on Friday, the president, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄), and several military generals were seen standing inside the airport in front of a sign that read, "66th Marine Brigade's Second Garrison."

The photos also showed Lai being briefed by military personnel wearing marine uniforms.

Military sources told CNA that the 66th Marine Brigade, tasked with amphibious warfare, counter-landing and reinforcement in the greater Taipei area, has been stationed at the airport since late 2024.

The airport was previously only guarded by the Air Force's Military Police squadron.

The presence of the Marines means they, along with the Air Force Military Police unit, are now guarding the critical gateway in the capital city.

The sources, who wished to remain anonymous, said the Marines are also guarding other key military positions in the capital city.