US, South Korea Begin Major Military Drills Amid Tensions

US and South Korean troops initiated a large-scale defense exercise on Monday amid rising tensions with North Korea. The Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, set to continue for 11 days, aim to enhance readiness against growing threats, including missiles and cyberattacks. North Korea condemned the exercises as "provocative war drills for aggression."

The exercises include computer-simulated war games, field operations, and live-fire drills involving approximately 19,000 South Korean troops. The US has not stated how many American troops are participating. The program began just hours after North Korea reiterated its stance, asserting that their nuclear pursuits serve as a significant deterrence to war.

The US has boosted its regional military presence, deploying bombers, submarines, and aircraft carrier strike groups. Analysts suggest that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may seek to apply pressure during the US election year. Recent aggressive actions by North Korea include the delivery of nuclear-capable missile launchers and flying trash-laden balloons into South Korean territory.

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Word count: 166 (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)