Thousands of allied American and Filipino forces have opened annual combat drills that will include simulating the defense of the Philippine archipelago and seas in a battle scenario that has antagonized China.

The prospect of Israeli forces launching an assault into Gaza’s dense urban neighborhoods is bringing back searing memories of the deadly battles the U.S.-led coalition fought against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

The Pentagon has sent advisers, including a Marine Corps general versed in urban warfare, to Israel to assist in its plans to conduct a ground assault in Gaza.