The US and South Korea announce spring military exercises. Mexico’s airport is closed due to volcanic ash

The U.S. and South Korean militaries will hold their joint spring exercises in March to deter the military threat from North Korea.

A core part of the annual ‘Freedom Shield’ training will also include defending against nuclear threats from North Korea, the General Staff of the South Korean Armed Forces announced on Wednesday. The US and its allies South Korea and Japan see themselves as directly threatened by the country’s nuclear weapons and missile programs, which is largely isolated internationally.

According to the information, “Freedom Shield” will start next Monday and last eleven days. The militaries of both countries described it as multi-dimensional defense training that, in addition to land, sea and air, also includes cyber and information space and outer space as possible battlefields.

The aim is to “strengthen common defense and improve response capabilities against a spectrum of security threats,” the report said. The maneuver includes computer simulations and numerous field exercises.

In the past, North Korea has repeatedly threatened to take tough countermeasures against US and South Korean military exercises. Washington and Seoul reject all accusations by Pyongyang that the maneuvers are being used to prepare an attack.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated significantly over the past two years. In response to North Korea’s numerous tests of nuclear-capable missiles and guided missiles, South Korea and the United States have further expanded military cooperation. (saw/sda/dpa)