Tensions Rise as South Korea and US Resume Ulchi Freedom Shield Exercises

The United States and South Korea are poised to enhance their military readiness through this month's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, a significant move following stalled diplomatic ties with North Korea. This annual large-scale exercise is expected to strengthen the allied forces against potential North Korean threats.

Set to run from August 18-28, the exercises typically involve extensive simulations and field training with thousands of troops participating. These maneuvers could ignite strong opposition from North Korea, which often views such drills as invasion preparations and uses them as grounds for its own military escalations and weapons tests.

Despite speculation about scaling back the exercises to foster dialogue, both South Korean and US military officials have emphasized the drills will remain similar in scope to past years. With a strong focus on North Korea's nuclear capabilities and recent conflicts like Russia's war in Ukraine, this year's exercises also highlight modern warfare concerns, such as drones and cyberattacks.

(With inputs from agencies.)