US, South Korea cut annual war games short after Trump criticism
Annual war games between South Korea and the United States will end around a week earlier than planned, both countries said on Wednesday, after US President Donald Trump ordered the “inappropriate and hostile” drills scaled back. Trump said on Sunday that he had told the Pentagon to curtail the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises — a day before they started — citing his “ good relationship ”…
The annual war games between South Korea and the United States will conclude a week earlier than initially scheduled, both nations announced on Wednesday. President Donald Trump ordered the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises to be scaled back, deeming them "inappropriate and hostile." Trump claimed his decision was influenced by his "good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Pyongyang's state media responded harshly on Wednesday, labeling the drills a "most immediate and open threat" to the region without referencing Trump's directive. Seoul's military later revealed the drills would conclude on August 21, rather than the originally planned August 27. The Pentagon confirmed the reduced drills would not compromise US readiness or training objectives.
The exercises are intended to prepare for a potential North Korean attack. North Korea routinely criticizes the drills, perceiving them as rehearsals for an invasion. A South Korean official described the decision as "unusual," while a North Korean expert suggested Pyongyang may use the situation as a bargaining chip in future negotiations with Trump.
The decision could potentially pave the way for renewed US-North Korea dialogue, according to experts.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
