Capitals: Agencies
On Monday, South Korea and the United States began their annual military exercises aimed at strengthening their preparedness against North Korean nuclear threats.
The South Korean Ministry of Defense said - as reported by the American ABC News network - that the South Korean and American forces began the “Freedom Shield” exercises, which are exercises at the command center in addition to a variety of field exercises, which are scheduled to continue over 11 days. According to what was reported by the Middle East News Agency this morning
South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman Colonel Lee Sung-joon had previously announced that the exercises were designed to enhance joint capabilities to prevent North Korea from using its nuclear weapons.
He added that 48 field exercises will be carried out this spring, double the number that were conducted last year, and that this year's exercises will include training in air attack, live ammunition and bombing.
Lee continued, "Our military is ready to punish North Korea immediately, forcefully, and to the end in the event of any provocation, and we will strengthen our firm readiness through upcoming exercises."
Pyongyang considers the South Korean-US maneuvers a rehearsal for an invasion, while the allies insist that the exercises are defensive.