US, South Korea begin annual military exercises
Washington, 18 August (IranVNC)—The United States and South Korea began annual joint military exercises today, aimed at preparing Seoul to assume war-time command of its own military forces in 2012, AP reports.
By: IranVNC
Published: Monday, August 18, 2008
18:17GMT—2:17PM/EST
US – SOUTH KOREA – EXERCISE
Washington, 18 August (IranVNC)—The United States and South Korea began annual joint military exercises today, aimed at preparing Seoul to assume war-time command of its own military forces in 2012, AP reports.
About 56,000 South Korean troops and 10,000 US troops are participating in the five-day exercise, called Ulchi Freedom Guardian, AP reports.
Some 4,000 government offices will also take part in the exercises, AFP reports.
South Korea surrendered command of its armed forces to the United States during the 1950-53 military conflict with North Korea. It regained peacetime command of its forces in a 1994 agreement with the U.S. But since the conflict with the North ended in a ceasefire agreement and not a peace treaty, the top US general in South Korea still retains command of military forces in case of conflict. Some 28,000 US troops also remain stationed in South Korea.
North Korea has condemned the exercises as a “criminal act”, saying it is a precursor to an invasion. But the U.S. and South Korea say the exercises are purely defensive.
Sources: Associated Press, Agence France-Presse
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