US and South Korea begin joint exercises amid attempts to reignite North Korea talks
North Korea has accused US and Seoul of talking about diplomacy while ratcheting up tensions
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Amid attempts to resume diplomatic dialogue with North Korea, the US and South Korea have began a joint aerial drill, a military official in Seoul said.
During the five-day-long annual air exercise, the two allies mobilised about 100 air assets, including F-15K and KF-16 jets from South Korea, and F-16s from the US, reported Yonhap News Agency on Monday, citing anonymous sources.
The drill — previously called Vigilant Ace — used to mobilise tens of thousands of troops, along with cutting-edge fighter jets, but has been scaled back since 2017 to facilitate peace efforts in the Korean Peninsula.
The allies carried out the drill in a low-key manner, with the South Korean Air Force declining to elaborate on the manoeuvres. “We cannot comment on the exercise as it is one that is not disclosed to the media,” an Air Force official said.
North Korea has long criticised the military drill between the allies as a rehearsal for war and used them as an excuse for provocations. Earlier in August, Pyongyang had severed inter-Korean hotlines when the allies held regular summer training in South Korea.
It comes shortly after North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile from the port city of Sinpo, during a series of weapon tests.
The US envoy for North Korea had called Pyongyang’s tests “concerning and counterproductive”, and urged Pyongyang to engage in talks.
“Our goal remains the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula,” Sung Kim said on 24 October. “That’s why Pyongyang’s recent ballistic missile test, one of several in the past six weeks, is concerning and counterproductive to making progress toward a lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.”
But Pyongyang has rejected the overtures and accused the US and South Korea of talking about diplomacy while ratcheting up tensions in the region with their own military activities.
Additional reporting by agencies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments