SEOUL: The South Korean military has said that the US and South Korea have held a joint live-fire exercise near the border with North Korea to enhance their joint combat readiness.
The Korean military indicated that the allies’ first joint drill of the year was aimed at enhancing combined operational abilities against North Korea’s army threats.
The exercise involved around 110 weapons systems from South Korea and the United States including K1A2 tanks, A-19 combat aircraft, and artillery systems.
US, South Korea Hold Joint Firing Exercise Near Border with North Korea
North Korea’s official media reported that South Korea started the new year with “self-destructive” actions, warning that chances of a clash between the two countries will be the highest in the current year.
The South Korean army said it has also heightened monitoring on North Korea’s acts to deter potential provocations.
The North Korea usually kicks off regular army training in December, which continues via early spring and often involves artillery firing exercise.
The South Korean army has carried out a series of firing exercise and other maneuvers this week, drawing sharp condemnation from North Korea, and its naval troops also carried out exercises with the participation of aircrafts and warships in an attempt to strengthen the defensive posture against what South Korea described as “potential provocations” by North Korea.
