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South Korea and US will start summer military drills next week to counter North Korean threats

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South Korea and US will start summer military drills next week to counter North Korean threats
News

News

South Korea and US will start summer military drills next week to counter North Korean threats

2024-08-12 14:45 Last Updated At:14:50

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea and the United States will begin their annual joint military exercises next week with a focus on improving their combined capabilities to deter and defend against growing North Korean nuclear threats, the allies said Monday.

The drills could trigger a belligerent response from North Korea, which portrays them as invasion rehearsals and have used the allies’ military cooperation as a pretext to advance the development of nuclear weapons and missile systems.

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South Korean protesters march during a rally opposing the joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. The banner reads "Stop the military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea."(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean protesters march during a rally opposing the joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. The banner reads "Stop the military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea."(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean protesters stage a rally opposing the joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. The banners read "Stop the South Korea - U.S. - Japan military alliance."(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean protesters stage a rally opposing the joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. The banners read "Stop the South Korea - U.S. - Japan military alliance."(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Col. Ryan Donald, right, CFC/UNC/USFK Public Affairs Director, and Col. Lee Sung-jun of South Korea's JCS Public Affairs Director, attend a press briefing of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Col. Ryan Donald, right, CFC/UNC/USFK Public Affairs Director, and Col. Lee Sung-jun of South Korea's JCS Public Affairs Director, attend a press briefing of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

FILE - South Korean and United States marines ride on inflatable boats during a joint landing exercise to prepare for a possible North Korea's surprise attack in waters off Ganghwa Island, located inside of the civilian passage restriction line that separates the two Koreas since the Korean War, South Korea, Feb. 10, 2015. (Yonhap via AP, File)

FILE - South Korean and United States marines ride on inflatable boats during a joint landing exercise to prepare for a possible North Korea's surprise attack in waters off Ganghwa Island, located inside of the civilian passage restriction line that separates the two Koreas since the Korean War, South Korea, Feb. 10, 2015. (Yonhap via AP, File)

South Korea and US will start summer military drills next week to counter North Korean threats

South Korea and US will start summer military drills next week to counter North Korean threats

FILE - A balloon presumably sent by North Korea, is seen in a paddy field in Incheon, South Korea, on June 10, 2024. (Im Sun-suk/Yonhap via AP, File)

FILE - A balloon presumably sent by North Korea, is seen in a paddy field in Incheon, South Korea, on June 10, 2024. (Im Sun-suk/Yonhap via AP, File)

South Korea and US will start summer military drills next week to counter North Korean threats

South Korea and US will start summer military drills next week to counter North Korean threats

South Korean and U.S. military officials said this year’s Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, scheduled for Aug. 19-29, will include computer-simulated exercises designed to enhance readiness against such threats as missiles, GPS jamming and cyberattacks, and concurrent field maneuvers and live-fire exercises.

The allies in particular aim to “further strengthen (their) capability and posture to deter and defend against weapons of mass destruction,” military officials said in a joint news conference.

Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson of South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, said about 19,000 South Korean troops will participate in the drills, which he described as an “essential element for maintaining a strong defense posture to protect the Republic of Korea,” using South Korea’s formal name.

Ryan Donald, spokesperson of U.S Forces Korea, didn’t comment on the number of U.S. troops participating in the exercises and said he couldn’t immediately confirm whether the drills will involve U.S. strategic assets. The United States in recent months has increased its regional deployment of long-range bombers, submarines and aircraft carrier strike groups to train with South Korean and Japanese assets in a show of force against the North.

“This exercise will reflect realistic threats across all domains such as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s missile threats and we will take in lessons learned from recent armed conflicts,” Donald said, invoking the North’s formal name.

“ROK and U.S. units will execute combined field training exercises across all domains. Field maneuver and live fire exercises will strengthen the alliance’s interoperability while showcasing our combined capabilities and resolve,” he said.

In addition to its military exercises with the United States, the South Korean military will support the country’s civil defense and evacuation drills on Aug. 19-22, which will include programs based on North Korean nuclear attack scenarios, Lee said.

Animosity on the Korean Peninsula is high, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues to use Russia’s war on Ukraine as a window to accelerate weapons development while issuing verbal threats of nuclear conflict toward Washington and Seoul.

In response, South Korea, the United States and Japan have been expanding their combined military exercises and sharpening their nuclear deterrence strategies built around U.S. strategic assets.

During last year’s Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, North Korea conducted ballistic missile tests that it described as simulating “scorched earth” nuclear strikes on South Korean targets.

The North in recent weeks has also flown thousands of balloons carrying trash toward the South in a bizarre psychological warfare campaign that has further deteriorated relations between the war-divided rivals.

South Korea's military said Monday that the North launched about 240 balloons over the weekend, but only 10 were known to have landed in the South, all in areas north of the capital, Seoul. Those balloons carried paper waste and plastic bottles, and no dangerous substances were found, the South's joint chiefs said.

It was the first time North Korea flew balloons toward the South since July 24, when trash carried by at least one of them fell on the South Korean presidential compound, raising worries about the vulnerability of key South Korean facilities. The balloon contained no dangerous material and no one was hurt.

Also on Monday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol nominated presidential security chief Kim Yong-hyun, one of his closest confidants, as defense minister. Kim will be replacing Shin Won-sik, who was picked to be Yoon’s new national security adviser, according to the presidential office.

As a nominee for a Cabinet job, Kim is subject to a parliamentary hearing, although Yoon can appoint him even if lawmakers object. Yoon, a conservative, has struggled to push his agenda through the opposition-controlled National Assembly. The liberals have often criticized Yoon’s national security policies as hawkish and called for stronger efforts to revive dialogue with the North.

South Korean protesters march during a rally opposing the joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. The banner reads "Stop the military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea."(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean protesters march during a rally opposing the joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. The banner reads "Stop the military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea."(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean protesters stage a rally opposing the joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. The banners read "Stop the South Korea - U.S. - Japan military alliance."(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean protesters stage a rally opposing the joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. The banners read "Stop the South Korea - U.S. - Japan military alliance."(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Col. Ryan Donald, right, CFC/UNC/USFK Public Affairs Director, and Col. Lee Sung-jun of South Korea's JCS Public Affairs Director, attend a press briefing of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Col. Ryan Donald, right, CFC/UNC/USFK Public Affairs Director, and Col. Lee Sung-jun of South Korea's JCS Public Affairs Director, attend a press briefing of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

FILE - South Korean and United States marines ride on inflatable boats during a joint landing exercise to prepare for a possible North Korea's surprise attack in waters off Ganghwa Island, located inside of the civilian passage restriction line that separates the two Koreas since the Korean War, South Korea, Feb. 10, 2015. (Yonhap via AP, File)

FILE - South Korean and United States marines ride on inflatable boats during a joint landing exercise to prepare for a possible North Korea's surprise attack in waters off Ganghwa Island, located inside of the civilian passage restriction line that separates the two Koreas since the Korean War, South Korea, Feb. 10, 2015. (Yonhap via AP, File)

South Korea and US will start summer military drills next week to counter North Korean threats

South Korea and US will start summer military drills next week to counter North Korean threats

FILE - A balloon presumably sent by North Korea, is seen in a paddy field in Incheon, South Korea, on June 10, 2024. (Im Sun-suk/Yonhap via AP, File)

FILE - A balloon presumably sent by North Korea, is seen in a paddy field in Incheon, South Korea, on June 10, 2024. (Im Sun-suk/Yonhap via AP, File)

South Korea and US will start summer military drills next week to counter North Korean threats

South Korea and US will start summer military drills next week to counter North Korean threats

Next Article

Liverpool shocked by Fulham and Southampton relegated from the Premier League

2025-04-07 01:26 Last Updated At:01:31

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Liverpool fell to a shock defeat on its march to the Premier League title after a 3-2 loss at Fulham on Sunday.

At the other end of the standings, Southampton became the first team to be relegated from England’s top flight this season after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham.

Elsewhere, Manchester United and Manchester City played out a dismal 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

Liverpool’s loss meant it missed the chance to move 14 points clear of second-placed Arsenal and a step closer to a record-equaling 20th English league title. A stunning first-half fightback from Fulham at Craven Cottage saw Arne Slot’s team lose for only the second time in the league this term.

“A very poor first half in terms of the goals we conceded, it was so unnecessary and then you’re fighting a very tough battle. A very poor half as a collective,” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said. “We tried everything in the second half but when you ship three goals in the first half it’s very difficult.”

Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday had given Liverpool an unexpected boost in the race for the title, but despite going ahead through Alexis Mac Allister’s goal in the 14th minute, the visitors were 3-1 down at halftime.

Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz all found the back of the net in a thrilling 14-minute spell. Luis Diaz got Liverpool’s second after the break.

Liverpool remains 11 points ahead of Arsenal and on course to win the title with seven games remaining. It needs 11 more points to be assured of being crowned champion.

With just 10 points from 31 games, last-placed Southampton’s fate was sealed with defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Its relegation is the joint fourth earliest in the Premier League era, according to the league’s statistician Opta.

Derby’s drop on March 29 in 2008 is still the earliest relegation since the league began in 1992. Huddersfield and Fulham suffered earlier relegations than Southampton, which is now joint with Leicester in 2002.

According to Opta, Southampton is the first Premier League team to be relegated with seven or more games to play in the campaign.

“We are disappointed. It has to be a big school for everything – for us, for me, for the players, for the club – to see what we did wrong,” Southampton manager Ivan Juric said.

Two first-half goals from Brennan Johnson put Southampton on course for a 25th league defeat of the season. Mateus Fernandes pulled one back late on for the visitors before Mathys Tel struck a third for Spurs from the penalty spot in added time.

Brentford and Chelsea drew 0-0.

James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Manchester City's Matheus Nunes, left, and Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu, right, battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United in Manchester, England, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

Manchester City's Matheus Nunes, left, and Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu, right, battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United in Manchester, England, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne runs during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United in Manchester, England, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne runs during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United in Manchester, England, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola talks to Jack Grealish during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United in Manchester, England, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola talks to Jack Grealish during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United in Manchester, England, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola hugs Phil Foden as he is substituted during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United in Manchester, England, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola hugs Phil Foden as he is substituted during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United in Manchester, England, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte, left, and Manchester City's Jeremy Doku fight for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United in Manchester, England, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

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Southampton's Cameron Archer, right and Tottenham Hotspur's Ben Davies vie for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in London, Sunday April 6, 2025. (Bradley Collyer/PA via AP)

Southampton's Cameron Archer, right and Tottenham Hotspur's Ben Davies vie for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in London, Sunday April 6, 2025. (Bradley Collyer/PA via AP)

Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, background left and Jan Bednarek foreground react after Tottenham Hotspur's Brennan Johnson, right, scored his side's second goal of the game as he celebrates with teammate James Maddison, during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in London, Sunday April 6, 2025. (Bradley Collyer/PA via AP)

Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, background left and Jan Bednarek foreground react after Tottenham Hotspur's Brennan Johnson, right, scored his side's second goal of the game as he celebrates with teammate James Maddison, during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in London, Sunday April 6, 2025. (Bradley Collyer/PA via AP)

Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister reacts disappointed after the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Liverpool, at Craven Cottage, London, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister reacts disappointed after the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Liverpool, at Craven Cottage, London, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Liverpool's Darwin Nunez, centre, Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, right, react during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Liverpool, at Craven Cottage, London, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Liverpool's Darwin Nunez, centre, Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, right, react during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Liverpool, at Craven Cottage, London, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Liverpool, at Craven Cottage, London, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Liverpool, at Craven Cottage, London, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Liverpool, at Craven Cottage, London, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

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