South Korea and US Begin Annual Military Exercises Despite North Korean Opposition

South Korea and the United States have launched their annual joint military exercises, with approximately 18,000 South Korean troops participating in the drills scheduled to run until March 19. The South Korean General Staff announced the commencement of the exercises, which are part of regular defense cooperation between the two allies. North Korea has repeatedly condemned these annual military drills, viewing them as provocative acts that threaten regional stability. The exercises represent a longstanding element of the US-South Korea security alliance, designed to maintain readiness and demonstrate combined defense capabilities on the Korean Peninsula.