The United States and South Korea are holding their biggest joint military exercises in years.The Ulchi Freedom Shield training operation opened Monday in South Korea.The exercises are happening during increasing tensions with North Korea, which has sharply increased weapons testing this year.Last month, its leader, Kim Jong Un, again threatened to use nuclear weapons in reaction to conflict with South Korea and the U.S.The joint exercises will continue through September 1.The training involves airplanes, warships, tanks and thousands of troops.The U.S. and South Korea say their military preparations are for defensive purposes.But North Korea describes the two countries as training for an invasion.American and South Korean forces reportedly will simulate efforts such as combined attacks, resupply of arms, and removal of nuclear weapons.The allies will also train for drone attacks and other new developments in warfare.Tensions between the U.S. and North Korea have grown since the failure of a meeting between Kim and former President Donald Trump in 2019.
