TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Army denied it plans to withdraw special forces soldiers from outlying islands on Tuesday.

According to a China Times report, the 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion was relocating most of its troops from Kinmen and Matsu to Niusin Bay in Penghu. China Times said only security personnel and a reserve training unit would remain at Kinmen’s Liaoluo Bay. 

The report also claimed that the shuffle was in coordination with the US military.

In response, the Army Command Headquarters said troop deployment is planned according to enemy threats and operational requirements to enhance overall defense capabilities. It refuted the report’s claims, saying it did not reflect the facts. 

A military official familiar with the matter explained that adjustments to Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion deployment have been discussed many times but did not say whether any have been made. 

In March, the Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion soldiers were confirmed to be training with US Green Berets serving as permanent observers on Kinmen.