Waiving counter-offensive?: US and South Korea cut military exercises in half
US President Trump has criticized the military exercises held jointly with South Korea. A particularly critical part of the drills is apparently to be dropped entirely. Out of consideration for North Korea?
South Korea and the US will cut their ongoing military exercises in half. The drills, called "Ulchi Freedom Shield", were initially set to run until August 27 but will now end on Friday at the US's request. The exercises will still include defence against a simulated North Korean attack, but a planned counteroffensive has been scrapped.
US President Donald Trump had announced on Truth Social that the drills would be scaled down, citing his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea's state media have criticised the exercises, warning of "vernichtenden Vergeltungsmaßnahmen" against those who violate its sovereignty.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
