Ryukyu Shimpo and Okinawa Times reported that according to a source connected to the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Marines have been conducting “Jungle Warfare Exercise 22” Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) training at multiple U.S. bases in Okinawa from Feb. 13 to 18. The papers said the large-scale drills involve about 7,500 Marines. In addition, the dailies said a U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carrier and ASDF fighter jets also participated in the drills in nearby waters and airspace. While noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa and Governor Tamaki is calling for further consolidation and reduction of U.S. bases in the prefecture, the papers said the move highlights the U.S. military’s increasing focus on bases in Okinawa amid growing tensions between the United States and China.