Wasn't the Fire Nation supposed to guard the United Republic's borders?

[Icelerate]

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that the Fire Nation will deploy troops at the border to defend against any intrusions by Kuvira but they were clearly absent this episode when Kuvira invaded.

 

[Romezio]

They were shown around the 7 min mark in the episode and led by general Iroh.

They were the guys in red uniforms.

 

[Kooljay]

I thought they were still preparing to deploy which is why they were caught off guard.

 

[Icelerate]

They were shown around the 7 min mark in the episode and led by general Iroh.

They were the guys in red uniforms.

I'm pretty sure those are just the firebenders within the Republic's army. The Fire Nation has their own army.

 

[BenjerminGaye]

Kuvira attacked 1 week b4 s
schedule.

 

[Anduril]

The ships that got destroyed belonged to the fire nation. You could see the dragon head of the ships.

 

[ᖇ α z m α η]

They did not make it in time, since Kuvira made the initial attack one week earlier

Still they would not deploy huge amount of forces, since they've to protect their own lands .​