International
US and South Korea Reduce Military Drills After Trump Order
Al Jazeera1h
THE BRIEF
1
The US and South Korea have shortened the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises from 11 days to five, with the drills now scheduled to conclude on August 21.
2
President Donald Trump ordered the reduction, citing his relationship with Kim Jong Un, while South Korean officials confirmed they were not informed of the decision in advance.
3
The US maintains approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea, and the adjusted drills will now rely on simulations rather than the planned second phase of field maneuvers.