Key Resolve and Foal Eagle military exercises were held this week between U.S. and South Korean troops -- as well as with United Nations members Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, and Great Britain -- to help keep South Korean troops prepared, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said.
Nearly 7,700 U.S. and 10,000 South Korean service members participated to keep South Korea and its allies prepared for defensive purposes against North Korea, through air, ground and naval exercises, along with special operations.
Davis said North Korea continues to express its disapproval and issue threats.
“Certainly, any statements that imply hostile offensive action by North Korea are not only unhelpful, … they’re contrary to … what we’re doing.”
The U.S. and South Korea are exploring the possibility of South Korea employing a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, in which ballistic missile defense weaponry could be easily transported and deployed to destroy any incoming missiles. Officials from both nations recently signed an agreement to begin formal talks on implementing such a defense system.
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