The United States and South Korea Start Major Joint Military Drills as Tensions Remain High

(PatriotPostNews.com) – On March 4, a military exercise with both the United States and South Korea began in an effort to train for defense against nuclear threats, according to defense officials.

The exercise, called the Freedom Shield, is an annual 11-day program that takes place each spring. A spokesperson for the Defense Ministry of South Korea told reporters that this year’s exercise will last until March 14 and include field training as well as simulations from computers.

The 2024 exercise will reportedly consist of 48 drills completed by the two nations, which is nearly twice the number of drills that took place at the Freedom Shield drills in 2023. Air strikes, tactical fire, and bombing drills will all be simulated during the training program.

The Freedom Shield is commencing as tension between North and South Korea is noticeably increasing. In recent months, speculation about a potential nuclear threat from the north has raised concerns.

In January, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared the communist nation would cease efforts to reconcile with its southern counterpart, instead demanding that South Korea be officially redefined in the constitution of North Korea as “a permanent main enemy” and “number one hostile country.”

The growing tension fuels joint exercises between South Korea and the United States, which are consistently criticized by North Korea, which argues the drills are a preparation for invading the north. Freedom Shield was launched after North Korea rescinded a military agreement in 2018 that was designed to work with South Korea to reduce tension.

During a recent press conference with Col. Isaac Taylor, a spokesman for the United States Forces Korea, the official said that the exercises are intended to “ensure security” and establish “stability” on the Korean border.

Representatives from 11 different United Nations Command member countries are also going to participate in the drills in various ways. These nations include Thailand, the Philippines, Italy, France, Greece, New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, Colombia, Belgium, and Canada.