It has been reported that the US, Japan and South Korea are planning to conduct annual joint military drills starting on September 15 to upgrade their operational capabilities against North Korea’s continued nuclear and missile threats.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff noted in a statement that the upcoming ‘Freedom Edge’ exercise is an annual drill designed to ensure peace and stability in the region, adding that the drill is going to abide by all international regulations.
The exercises are going to be conducted east and south of Jeju Island in South Korea from September 15 to 19. The Joint Chiefs of Staff noted that the drills are part of regular training among the three countries.
South Korea and US engage in troop mobilization drills last month
The military has not shared more details on the upcoming exercise. There is no official information about the number of troops or types of equipment. But it comes after South Korea and US engaged in large-scale troop mobilization drills for 10 days last month.
The three countries are looking to assess their defence readiness against North Korea. This exercise is also coming after a dramatic appearance by the leaders of Russia, China and North Korea in Beijing just recently.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un concluded his high-profile trip by holding a summit featuring Chinese President Xi Jinping, reaffirming his support for Beijing as he seeks to restore North Korea-China bilateral relations faster.
