U.S. and South Korea conduct joint military drills against North Korea

— U.S. and South Korean forces commenced a significant military exercise on Monday, aimed at bolstering their defense capabilities against North Korea, which has accused the allies of preparing for invasion. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, running until August 29, occur amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, characterized by a cycle of North Korean weapons tests and joint military exercises by the U.S. and South Korea. North Korea's Foreign Ministry condemned the drills as "provocative war drills for aggression," asserting that its nuclear ambitions are warranted to maintain a balance of power. The joint exercises, described by the U.S. and South Korea as defensive, include over 40 field exercises and computer-simulated war games, focusing on readiness against various threats from North Korea, such as missile attacks and cyber warfare. Approximately 19,000 South Korean troops are participating, alongside concurrent civil defense drills simulating North Korean nuclear attack scenarios. The U.S. military has not disclosed the number of American troops involved or the potential deployment of strategic assets. North Korea's response to the drills has been notably aggressive, with leader Kim Jong Un recently showcasing the delivery of 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to military units. Analysts suggest that Kim may intensify pressure on the U.S. during an election year, aiming to solidify North Korea's status as a nuclear power and extract concessions from Washington. The ongoing military activities have raised concerns about potential retaliatory actions from the North, which has previously conducted missile tests during similar exercises.