- Trump orders scaling back of US-South Korea military drills.
- Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises are set to involve 18,000 South Korean soldiers, according to the South Korean military.
- The exercises are expected to include operations to counter drones, disrupt GPS signals, and defend against cyberattacks, adapting to North Korea's reported aid to Russia in its war against Ukraine by providing troops.
President Trump has directed the Pentagon to scale back the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises with South Korea, which are set for August 17-27 and involve 18,000 South Korean troops. Trump criticized the drills as costly and potentially provocative towards North Korea, which he described as having been "unthreatening and respectful" to the US.2
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the exercises send a "signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea. He also mentioned that South Korea declined to assist the US in its conflict with Iran, highlighting his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Despite his desire to cancel the exercises, Trump acknowledged it was too late and opted for a reduction instead. The drills are expected to include operations aimed at countering drones, disrupting GPS signals, and defending against cyberattacks, particularly in light of North Korea's support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
This announcement follows North Korea's recent ballistic missile tests and threats against the US and South Korea, with Pyongyang labeling the upcoming drills a "war rehearsal."
“The exercises, scheduled to run from August 17 to 27, involve 18,000 South Korean soldiers and are expected to include counter-drone, GPS disruption, and cyberattack defense operations. These adaptations respond to North Korea's reported troop aid to Russia in its war against Ukraine.”
DW.com
