South Korea, U.S. Shorten Joint Military Drills
South Korean and U.S. military officials have agreed to shorten joint military drills at the U.S.'s request. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which began earlier in the week, will now conclude on Friday instead of the originally planned August 27th.…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 18, 2026 —
SEOUL – South Korean and U.S. military officials have agreed to shorten the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercises, according to a joint announcement made earlier this week. The decision comes at the request of the United States.
The annual exercises, which commenced earlier this week, are now scheduled to conclude on Friday. This represents a reduction from the previously planned end date of August 27th. Additionally, certain aspects of the joint field training exercises will be scaled back.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises are a regular component of the military alliance between South Korea and the United States, designed to enhance readiness and combined defense capabilities. Specific details regarding which joint field training exercises will be downsized were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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