(KNX 1070/CNS) - Residents living in and around downtown Los Angeles got a bit of a scare Monday night with loud booms and military helicopters flying around and soldiers running around.
Turns out, it was a military training exercise and there are more to come this week.
Leslie Ruiz Video in DTLA from Twitter For those who did not get any advance warning that it was coming, it was scary.
The U.S. Army began training drills Monday night in the Los Angeles and Long Beach areas that are scheduled to last until Saturday.
"Residents may hear sounds associated with the training, including aircraft and weapon simulations," according to an Army statement.
Residents living near where the training was taking place were notified of the drills, officials said.
"The local terrain and training facilities in Los Angeles provide the Army with unique locations and simulates urban environments the service members may encounter when deployed overseas," according to the Army.
"There is no replacement for realistic training. Each location selected enables special operations teams and flight crews to maintain maximum readiness and proficiency, validate equipment and exercise standard safety procedures."