A US convoy on its way to Suwalki near Augustow, Poland, June 17, 2017 (Photo: Reuters)

The event was a rehearsal for a possible scenario in which member Baltic states might be severed from other NATO western countries. The drill took place in the area known as Suwalki Gap which has a 100 kilometer long border with Poland and Lithuania. If the area is seized, Baltic states including Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia will be separated from the rest of NATO.  NATO has enhanced its presence in Baltic and Eastern Europe, bordering Russia to deal with potential threats, but Russia denies any plans to invade, and says it is NATO that is threatening stability in Eastern Europe by building up its military presence and staging such war games.