The USA and South Korea began the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercises aimed at strengthening joint defense readiness in the face of threats from North Korea.
According to Yonhap agency, 11-day maneuvers will be held until August 28. The joint exercises that Washington and Seoul conduct every year are designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the two countries against possible threats from Pyongyang.
this year in maneuvers based on “realistic” threats, about 18 thousand South Korean military personnel participate. Within the framework of the UFS, a four -day civil defense training will be carried out in parallel with the participation of 580 thousand people, as well as the development of actions against drones and cyber attacks. In addition, almost half of the planned 40 field training was transferred to September as part of the stress and south Korean softened efforts. He traditionally calls such teachings a “rehearsal of invasion”, while the United States and South Korea emphasize their exclusively defensive character.
“We decisively condemn the United States and South Korea for provocative actions that clearly demonstrate their intentions to conflict with North Korea,” said the Minister of Defense of the DPRK on August 11.