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GAMES ON

Behind the ‘chilling’ two-month US-South Korean war games which Kim Jong-un claims will blow peace talks out of the water

The 'defensive drills' - which have been carried out regularly for nearly 40 years - showcase a spectrum of air, land and sea prowess

 

HUGE military exercises involving the US and South Korea are to go ahead despite Kim Jong-un saying they "trample" on hopes for peace.

The Pentagon insists the "war games" - which start on April 1 - will not be scaled back despite ongoing diplomatic talks in the region.

South Korean marines participate in the 2017 Foal Eagle joint military exercise
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South Korean marines participate in the 2017 Foal Eagle joint military exerciseCredit: Getty Images - Getty
South Korean Navy's 1st Fleet Command accompanied by US warships
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South Korean Navy's 1st Fleet Command accompanied by US warshipsCredit: EPA

The allies have told North Korea they should not see the two-month manoeuvres as a provocation as the drills are "defence-oriented."

However, military officials in the US were quick to add the drills will still be on a "scale similar to that of the previous years."

The annual exercises always provoke an agitated response from North Korea and this year is certainly no different.

Pyongyang describes them as a "chilling effort" to “trample" on peace in the region adding they are an affront to the international community.

The defensive drills showcase a spectrum of air, land and sea operations
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The defensive drills showcase a spectrum of air, land and sea operationsCredit: Reuters
Marines with an amphibious vehicle on a beach on the South Korean coast
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Marines with an amphibious vehicle on a beach on the South Korean coastCredit: AP:Associated Press
The USS Carl Vinson during last year's massive manoeuvres
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The USS Carl Vinson during last year's massive manoeuvresCredit: AP:Associated Press

Kim has frequently responded with fiery rhetoric and provocations, including firing four missiles towards Japan last year.

The North also criticised a smaller exercise held before the Winter Olympics, calling it “nothing but a provocative act of war maniacs.”

The US Defense Department, meanwhile, insists that the impressive drills are not meant to unsettle the North.

"Our combined exercises are defence-oriented and there is no reason for North Korea to view them as a provocation," said Lt. Col. Christopher Logan.

"These routine training exercises are not conducted in response to any provocations or the current political situation on the peninsula."

The drill involves about 11,500 US and 290,000 South Korean troops
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The drill involves about 11,500 US and 290,000 South Korean troopsCredit: AFP or licensors
US Army soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team
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US Army soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat TeamCredit: AP:Associated Press
US Navy C-2 Greyhound approaches the deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson
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US Navy C-2 Greyhound approaches the deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl VinsonCredit: AP:Associated Press

The massive war games - which take place near the North Korean border - combine two major exercises:

  • Operation Foal Eagle is a full-scale military drill that involves about 11,500 US and 290,000 South Korean troops.
  • Operation Key Resolve is  a simulated training programme involving 12,200 US and 10,000 South Korean soldiers.

The "defensive" drills, which have been carried out regularly for nearly 40 years, showcase a spectrum of air, land and sea operations.

Last year, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier participated, along with assault amphibious vehicles, tanks and other armoured trucks.

Next month's display is expected to see the US reveal its new state-of-the-art £100m F-35B fighter jet.

The massive war games take place near the North Korean border
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The massive war games take place near the North Korean borderCredit: AP:Associated Press
The Pentagon confirmed North Korea was notified about the upcoming drills
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The Pentagon confirmed North Korea was notified about the upcoming drillsCredit: EPA

Aircraft including F-16s, F-22s, F-35s, and stealth bombers are also deployed in support of 'Foal Eagle.'

“We will execute the two major theatre-level command post exercises and one theater-level field training exercise each year,” said Gen. Vincent Brooks.

“These exercises are essential to strengthen the alliance,” he said, adding they also deter North Korean aggression.

The separate Max Thunder drill will be also held for two weeks from May 11, involving more than 100 Air Force jets of the allies.

Kim Jong-un watches ballistic missiles roll past in huge North Korean military parade

The exercises will be monitored by the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission to ensure compliance with the armistice agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War.

The Pentagon confirmed North Korea was notified about the upcoming drills, which are expected to last until the end of May.

The White House has also said that President Donald Trump intends to meet with Kim while the drills are taking place.

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