Indonesia Deploys Elite Troops as Wildfires Spread

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has sent 442 special forces soldiers to help fight widening wildfires. The troops, known as the Alpha Team, come from four elite units across the army, navy, and air force. The deployment aims to strengthen ground crews who are struggling to contain blazes in several regions. The soldiers will join existing firefighting efforts, focusing on areas where the fires threaten villages and farmland. According to military officials, the Alpha Team is trained for rapid response in difficult terrain. Their tasks will include clearing firebreaks, evacuating residents if needed, and supporting aerial water-bombing missions. This move comes as dry weather and strong winds have made firefighting conditions worse. Local authorities have warned that without more manpower, the fires could spread to protected forest areas. The TNI stated that the soldiers are equipped with portable tools and communication gear. They will coordinate with local disaster agencies to avoid duplicating efforts. No casualties have been reported so far, but air quality in nearby towns has worsened. The military says more personnel may be sent if the fires continue to expand.