Military drills conducted in Downtown Miami

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Military choppers took Miami by storm, leaving residents with one rude awakening Tuesday night.

Ileanette Sabugo was one of many residents in Brickell who was startled by the military choppers circling the Downtown area Tuesday night. "I heard loud annoying noises outside," said Sabugo.

Last night, a Black Hawk helicopter flew over the Brickell area. According to Miami Police, it was part of a military drill, simulating an attack in an urban community. Miami was specifically chosen for the simulation.

A resident recorded the scene and posted it on YouTube, while others turned to Twitter and Facebook with concerns and frustration because much of the activity centered around the Bank of America building. "It was kind of scary to see the military helicopters outside and not being advised whatsoever," said Sabugo.

Police were unable to disclose specifics about what agencies were involved, but they said the drills were done at night for the public's safety. "The reason they were done at night, and the reason they were done in the later hours is because we are trying to minimize disruption to traffic, minimize safety concerns," said Miami Police Commander Delrish Moss.

Sabugo said that residents should know what is going on in the community. "I think we should have had a head's up as to what was going on within the area," she said.

The military drills are set to continue in the up-coming of days. According to police, there is a reason for the secrecy, citing security concerns.

(Copyright 2011 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)