US and South Korea Cancel Second Phase of Joint Military Drills
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, South Korean radio reported that the joint military drills between the United States and South Korea were planned in two phases, with the first set for August 17-21 and the second for August 23-27.
The exercises were designed to simulate scenarios of a North Korean attack on South Korea and the subsequent retaliatory response from Seoul.
Informed sources indicated that American and South Korean military officials convened an extraordinary meeting on August 18, where the decision was made to cancel the second phase of the drills.
A source within the South Korean Ministry of Defense stated that U.S. forces would withdraw after the completion of the first phase, and an agreement was reached on a pathway to implement the canceled exercise.
Following instructions from U.S. President Donald Trump to reduce joint military exercises, the President of South Korea has reiterated efforts to regain independent control of the nation’s military in the event of war and has called for accelerated progress in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.
Previously, President Trump had directed the Pentagon to significantly scale back joint military drills with South Korea that week, citing a very good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
