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US-South Korea Joint Drills Begin Amid North Korea Tensions

South Korean and US forces began computer-simulated military exercises on Monday amid tensions over North Korea's missile and nuclear programs, media reports say.

Reports indicate that Pyongyang has generated at least $270 million since February despite UN sanctions.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the joint drills, called Ulchi Freedom Guardian, were purely defensive and did not aim to raise tensions on the peninsula, Reuters reported. 

"There is no intent at all to heighten military tension on the Korean peninsula as these drills are held annually and are of a defensive nature," Moon told Cabinet ministers.

"North Korea should not exaggerate our efforts to keep peace nor should they engage in provocations that would worsen the situation, using (the exercise) as an excuse," he said.

The joint US South Korean drills will continue to Aug. 

This comes as US President Donald Trump has warned that North Korea will face "fire and fury" if it threatens the United States.

The North responded by threatening to fire missiles toward the US Pacific island territory of Guam, but later said it was holding off on a decision while it waited to see what the United States would do next.

The United States has about 28,000 troops in South Korea. About 17,500 US service members are participating in the exercise this month, down from 25,000 last year, according to the Pentagon.

US-South Korea Joint Drills Begin Amid North Korea Tensions

The US and South Korea have begun drills amid North Korea tensions and will continue until 30 August.

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South Korean and US forces began computer-simulated military exercises on Monday amid tensions over North Korea's missile and nuclear programs, media reports say.

Reports indicate that Pyongyang has generated at least $270 million since February despite UN sanctions.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the joint drills, called Ulchi Freedom Guardian, were purely defensive and did not aim to raise tensions on the peninsula, Reuters reported. 

"There is no intent at all to heighten military tension on the Korean peninsula as these drills are held annually and are of a defensive nature," Moon told Cabinet ministers.

"North Korea should not exaggerate our efforts to keep peace nor should they engage in provocations that would worsen the situation, using (the exercise) as an excuse," he said.

The joint US South Korean drills will continue to Aug. 

This comes as US President Donald Trump has warned that North Korea will face "fire and fury" if it threatens the United States.

The North responded by threatening to fire missiles toward the US Pacific island territory of Guam, but later said it was holding off on a decision while it waited to see what the United States would do next.

The United States has about 28,000 troops in South Korea. About 17,500 US service members are participating in the exercise this month, down from 25,000 last year, according to the Pentagon.

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