From August 22 to September 2, the Republic of Korea and the US Combined Forces Command (CFC) have been conducting their annual exercise, Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG).
With the exercise drawing to an end, images show the lengths that South Korean forces are going through to prepare for threats of all sorts, including chemical and terrorist attacks.
United States Forces Korea (USFK) put out a statement last week, claiming that UFG was, “designed to enhance Alliance readiness, protect the region and maintain stability on the Korean peninsula.”
In order to prevent an escalation of force, military officials have also stated that they informed North Korean forces of the exercise dates and its non-provocative nature. Additionally, UFG will also be monitored by the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission to ensure compliance with the two Korea’s armistice agreements.
The joint-exercise involves approximately 50,000 South Korean troops, 25,000 US servicemembers, and additional forces from Australia, Canada, Columbia, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The number of US forces taking part in this year’s exercise is down from the previous year’s 30,000.
UFG comes at the heels of fresh provocations from North Korea that the UN Security Council strongly condemned, such as its four ballistic missile launches, including one from a submarine, in July and August.
Here are several photos of this year’s exercise.
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South Korean soldiers run during an anti-terror drill at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, August 24, 2016.
The exercise also included civilians and government officials for a more realistic simulation.
Here, South Korean soldiers repel down a building during an anti-terror drill.
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