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Seoul: US President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to significantly decrease joint military drills with South Korea, citing Seoul's unwillingness to support US efforts to de-nuclearize Iran. Trump also remarked that the drills are costly and send a ‘inappropriate and hostile’ signal to North Korea, despite his ‘very good relationship’ with Kim Jong Un.
The decision came as the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were set to begin. The 11-day drills, involving over 18,000 South Korean personnel, are designed to improve preparation for future North Korean threats. Despite Trump's announcement, the South Korean military ministry stated that the exercises would proceed as planned.
North Korea has consistently criticised the drills as invasion preparations, and it has recently promised a forceful revenge. The US decision could spark questions among allies about Washington's military commitment to South Korea and regional security.
