United States, South Korean forces begins joint drills today

The United States and South Korean forces today began annual military drills in South Korea. The joint drill, called Ulchi Freedom Guardian, will be held through August 31st, mobilizing 17,500 US soldiers and about 50,000 South Korean troops.

The two militaries say this year's drills will center on war games to confirm arrangements to coordinate their command systems by using computers.South Korean President Moon



Jae-in said the joint drills are purely defensive and do not aim to raise tensions on the peninsula. The United States also describes them as "defensive in nature", but the North sees them as preparation for invasion. Meanwhile, North Korea reacted sharply to the drills.

Its state-run media said yesterday that the exercises will worsen the regional situation further like adding fuel to flames.