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S. Korea, US begin military drills amid North threats

TOKYO, Aug 21 (KUNA) -- The South Korean and US militaries on Monday started their first major combined training since North Korea's test-firing of two long-range missiles and threat to shoot ballistic missiles toward Guam, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Focusing on a "tailored joint deterrence strategy," the Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise will run through August 31 and involve tens of thousands of South Korean soldiers, the report said.
Defense Ministry did not specify the number in a press release, but ministry officials said the size is similar to that of last year, roughly 50,000. The US has reduced the number of its participating service members to 17,500 from 25,000, according to the Pentagon. The troops include some 3,000 coming from off-peninsula. Seven other member states of the United Nations Command -- Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Britain -- are also taking part in it.
"The drill is computer simulated defensive exercise designed to enhance readiness, protect the region and maintain stability on the Korean peninsula," it said.
North Korea's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper warned Sunday that the drills are "the most explicit expression of hostility" against it and an act of "adding fuel to the fire" on the divided peninsula.
Tensions between Pyongyang and Washington heightened after US President Donald Trump and the North Korean leadership traded bellicose rhetoric, with both floating talk of military options. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un last week held off on threats to fire missiles toward the US territory of Guam in the Pacific. But he added that he will make an "important" decision if the US continues its "extremely dangerous reckless actions" on the Korean Peninsula, apparently referring to the military exercises. (end) mk.hb