U.S. and South Korean troops commenced large-scale military exercises on August 18, 2024, aimed at enhancing defense capabilities against North Korea's nuclear threats.

The 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' exercises will run until August 29 and include command post drills, live-fire exercises, and civil defense training, focusing on realistic threats such as North Korean missiles and GPS jamming.

Approximately 19,000 South Korean military personnel are participating in this year's drills, which coincide with civil defense and evacuation exercises based on potential North Korean nuclear attacks.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that the country is facing the most reckless and irrational provocations and threats from North Korea.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated, with North Korea increasing its weapons demonstrations and threatening nuclear conflict in response to U.S.-South Korea military activities.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been expanding the country's nuclear capabilities, recently showcasing 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers.

North Korea condemned the military exercises, labeling them as 'provocative war drills for aggression' and asserting the necessity of its nuclear ambitions for maintaining a balance of power.

North Korea reportedly attempted to jam GPS signals for several days in late May but did not succeed in disrupting South Korean military activities.

During a Cabinet meeting marking the start of the exercises, President Yoon called for improved preparedness against various threats posed by North Korea.

Recently, North Korea has engaged in psychological warfare by sending balloons carrying trash into South Korea, further straining relations between the two countries.

Last year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises coincided with North Korea's ballistic missile tests, which were described as simulations of nuclear strikes on South Korea.

In response to North Korean threats, South Korea, the U.S., and Japan are increasing their military cooperation and nuclear deterrence strategies.