THESE stomach-churning pictures show US Marines drinking cobra blood as they take part in military exercises in Thailand.

US Marines were given the cobra blood earlier today as part of their jungle training in the largest American-led military exercises in Asia, called Cobra Gold.

9 The Marines drink cobra blood as part of their survival training Credit: Reuters

The troops were taught how to survive in the extreme conditions in the jungle.

The annual event got underway yesterday with an opening ceremony with seven countries actively taking part including military personnel from Singapore, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia as well as the US.

About 4,500 US personnel will take part in both land and sea exercises.

Royal Thai Marine Instructors showed the troops how drinking the blood from a cobra can help them stay alive if there is no drinkable water and can also provide essential nutrition.

It’s not for the squeamish and even the hardened marines appear to have their eyes tightly shut as they get their taste of the cobra blood.

But while some marines look only too willing to get a taste some much more hesitant but all get cheered on by their mates.

The pictures show the marines with their heads tilted back and sticking out their tongues as the instructor drips the blood down their throats.

According to a marine that took part in the exercises in the past the cobra blood tastes “fishy”.

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As well as drinking cobra blood the troops were taught how to safely eat spiders and scorpions as well as other insects that live in the jungle.

Along the war games, forces will also play out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises.

The Cobra Gold exercises end on February 22.

9 One soldier gets a taste as his pals cheer him on Credit: AFP or licensors

9 Some appear to be only too keen to get a taste Credit: AFP or licensors

9 A Thai instructor aims the blood down their throats Credit: AFP or licensors

9 The cobra blood is said to taste 'fishy' Credit: AFP or licensors

9 The instructors also show how to kill the snake Credit: AFP or licensors

9 Some aren't thrilled to be eating reptiles Credit: AFP or licensors

9 It's not all grubs and insects for some Credit: Reuters

9 Spiders are also served up to the troops Credit: AFP or licensors