SEOUL: The United States and South Korea started large-scale annual spring military exercises Monday as North Korea continues to refine its nuclear weapons and missile programs. According to media reports, the joint exercise, which also features computer-simulated command-post training and around 48 field training exercise — double the number in last year’s iteration of the drill — will run through March 14, 2024.
The drill is the first since North Korea scrapped a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement in November. That deal was intended to decrease tensions along the border between two Korans. South Korea said that no joint exercises have been scheduled close the border during the annual drills.
US, South Korea Kick Off Annual Exercises Focused on North’s Nuclear Threats
In a statement, the South Korean military said that the drill will simulate a variety of scenarios, including practice sensing and intercepting North Korean cruise missiles.
Recently, North Korea has launched around five known barrages of cruise missiles since mid-January as part of a spate of weapons tests in the current year. These have also included new strategic cruise missiles and submarine-launched arms, both designed to carry small nuclear shells.
The North Korea has traditionally responded to the joint exercises with its own military drills and weapons tests. Relations between North Korea and South Korea have deteriorated in recent months, with N Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un labeling the South Korea his country’s “principal enemy” while abolishing departments focused on reunification.
