South Korea-US Military Drills Stir Tensions with North Korea

South Korea and the US have kicked off the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises to counter threats from North Korea, raising regional tensions. The drills involve 21,000 soldiers in defensive operations but may provoke military demonstrations from the North, complicating diplomatic efforts by South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung.

South Korea and the United States have commenced their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises aimed at countering threats from a nuclear-armed North Korea. The large-scale drills have been criticized by North Korea as provocations, potentially escalating regional tensions.

Involving 21,000 troops, including 18,000 South Koreans, the exercises consist of computer-simulated command post operations and field training. While the allies maintain the exercises are defensive in nature, North Korea views them as invasion rehearsals, often reacting with military demonstrations and weapons tests.

This year's exercises coincide with a pivotal moment for South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung, who is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump. Amid ongoing North-South tensions, Lee seeks to revive diplomatic efforts with North Korea, despite setbacks in disarmament talks and increasing North Korean alignment with Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies.)