Military drills between US and South Korea cut short at Washington’s request

The joint military drills between the United States and South Korea have been shortened at Washington's request, according to the militaries of both nations. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, initially scheduled to run for 10 days, will now conclude on Friday, August 21. This decision was made based on direction from President Donald Trump and Secretary of War, according to a Pentagon official.

The official stated that associated live-training events have been reduced, with some canceled or converted to simulations, to preserve essential readiness and training objectives. South Korea's military confirmed that the decision to adjust the exercise period and size came "at the request of the US." The decision comes after Trump called for the reduction of the exercises, citing his close relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and claiming the drills sent an "inappropriate and hostile" signal to North Korea.

Trump also mentioned Seoul's lack of assistance with the Iran war as a reason for the reduction. North Korea has long criticized the annual UFS drills, with state media calling them "the most immediate and open threat" to Pyongyang and regional security. Despite North Korea's criticism, the South Korean President emphasized that the drills are not intended to heighten tension on the Korean Peninsula, but rather serve as a defensive exercise to maintain peace and protect lives.

The US and South Korea frequently hold joint military drills, with this year's exercises designed to adapt to North Korea's evolving capabilities and include training to counter drones, GPS disruption, and cyberattacks. Approximately 18,000 South Korean troops were expected to participate. Following the decision to shorten the drills, South Korea and the US will now "discuss and implement various measures to achieve the goals of UFS exercise and establish a combined defense posture going forward."