US and South Korea start military drills against North Korea

APNEWS.COM

'invasion rehearsal'

SUMMARY

U.S. and South Korean troops recently began large-scale military drills focusing on enhanced defense against North Korea. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, lasting 11 days, involve over 19,000 South Korean personnel. Tensions in the region are high as North Korea accuses the allies of conducting aggressive drills. The North claims that such exercises justify its nuclear ambitions.

Despite North Korea's threats, the U.S. and South Korea maintain their drills are defensive. Analysts suggest North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may increase provocations, especially during the U.S. election year, to leverage his country's nuclear status.