ELITE Royal Marines stormed a British beach along with thousands of troops yesterday – but there is no need to panic.

The Green Berets were among 11,600 military personnel to take part in the huge training exercise in Dundrennan, Scotland.

It triggered the start of a two-week military operation called Exercise Joint Warrior that involves all three of the British armed forces and troops from a total of 17 countries.

Dramatic pictures show gun-toting marines leaping out of boats and wading through water.

Others show troops opening fire in the mock raid.

Royal Marines stormed ashore in landing craft before staging a fight to secure the area.

Along with the Marines in action, warships have been gathering in the Clyde and aircraft have been arriving at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.

Live firing is also expected to take place at the Rain and Cape Wrath ranges in the Highlands.

Further exercises are expected to take place in and around the Western Isles.

Along with British forces, military personnel from the likes of Denmark, Spain, Sweden, United States and Estonia, amongst others, are all taking part.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Joint Warrior prepares our troops in the best way to meet the intensifying threats our country faces by providing a major opportunity to exercise with our allies.

“Our Armed Forces are the face of global Britain, and training side by side with troops from 16 other nations means we are stronger and more capable when it comes to keeping our countries safe and protecting our way of life.”

Linked to the NATO exercise programme and open to Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Partner Nations, Joint Warrior also hosts non-NATO partners such as Australia, Finland and Sweden.

This year the training scenarios involve various nations disputing resources and territories; counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling activity; information warfare; and evacuation operations.

Captain Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff, Captain Paul Pitcher RN, said: “This exercise gives the UK participants a chance to train with our allies and partners, honing our skills and developing our tactics.

“It is hugely important in making sure that we can fuse all elements of our capabilities, enhancing our ability to conduct joint operations now and in the future.”

It will culminate on Salisbury Plain Training Area on May 3 where JEF forces, including troops from the UK Parachute Regiment, will conduct urban combat operations with air support provided by Apaches, Chinooks, Wildcats and Tornados.