South Korea, US conclude major joint military drills near North Korea

South Korea and the United States concluded their annual joint military exercises, known as Freedom Shield, after an 11-day operation that included a significant river-crossing exercise near the border with North Korea. This year's drills involved approximately 19,000 troops and aimed to enhance interoperability and readiness against North Korean military threats, particularly in light of evolving nuclear capabilities and increased military ties with Russia. North Korea responded by firing several ballistic missiles, condemning the exercises as provocative acts that threaten regional stability. Amid these tensions, South Korea is also grappling with a domestic political crisis, including an impending Constitutional Court ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. The exercises, characterized by both field training and strategic simulations, underscore the commitment of the U.S.-ROK alliance to maintain a strong defensive posture. The exercises have been met with criticism from North Korea, which demands a halt to such military drills, viewing them as rehearsals for invasion.