US, South Korea to conduct new exercise to replace Key Resolve
(Baonghean) - The US and South Korea will hold a new joint exercise called “Dong Maeng” (Allies) from March 4-12, replacing Key Resolve and Foal Eagle, Yonhap news agency reported on March 3, citing the Chairman of the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff and Commander of US Forces Korea.
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US and South Korean soldiers during a joint exercise. Photo: EPA |
The Allies will adjust from previous exercises to focus on strategic, operational and tactical aspects of joint military operations on the Korean Peninsula, the officials said in a joint press release.
The US and South Korean defense ministries previously announced the suspension of joint exercises including Key Resolve and Foal Eagle, to “support a diplomatic path toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”
The decision was approved by South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong Doo and acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan after a phone call on March 2.
These moves took place just two days after the summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean President Kim Jong-un took place in Hanoi.
After two days of meetings (February 27 and 28), the US and North Korea were unable to reach a common agreement, but the leaders of both countries agreed to continue dialogue.
Foal Eagle is the largest annual joint military exercise between the US and South Korean militaries, combining land, air, and naval forces with special forces. It has previously involved 200,000 South Korean troops and about 30,000 US troops.
Key Resolve, meanwhile, is a computer-simulated war game conducted by military commanders that typically begins in March and lasts for 10 days. North Korea often condemns these as preparations for an invasion of Pyongyang.
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