This is the satisfying moment soldiers used pliers to remove a leech from inside a turtle's shell.

Rachit Nongdee and his troops saved the tortoise from the large bloodsucker in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 31.

Footage shows the animal being positioned vertically while two men gently prying open the skin above its head to extract the pest.

Upon taking out the parasitic worm, the rescuer dropped it to the ground while shouting in fear.

Fortunately, the turtle did not sustain any serious injuries and was freed after the operation.

Leeches are known to be carriers of viruses and bacteria. While they don't pose a significant threat in small numbers, if they stay on a host for a long time, they can cause serious health issues.