S. Korea, US wrap up drills early, day after NK missile barrage
SEOUL — The U.S. and South Korean militaries wrapped up their annual drill six days earlier than initially scheduled on Friday in a conciliatory gesture toward North Korea, though the North said the step isn't enough to persuade it to return to talks. U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier abruptly ordered the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise just before it…
South Korea and the United States concluded their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise six days earlier than planned on Friday, in a goodwill gesture towards North Korea, though Pyongyang claimed the move was insufficient to entice it back to negotiations. President Donald Trump had earlier abruptly ordered the Pentagon to "substantially reduce" the exercise just before it commenced on Monday, citing a strong relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's lack of support for the president's stance on the Iran war.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield, a command post drill involving U.S. forces, concluded on Friday. This month's exercise was initially slated to span two phases over 11 days, simulating North Korean attacks - the first phase focusing on defensive operations until Friday, and the second phase, simulating counteroffensive operations, set to run until August 27.
South Korea and the U.S. had also intended to conduct 14 joint field training exercises during the Ulchi Freedom Shield.
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- S. Korea, US wrap up drills early, day after NK missile barrage koreatimes.co.kr
