Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: The United States and South Korea announced on Monday that they will begin their annual joint exercise next week, focusing on improving their combined capabilities to deter and defend against North Korea's "increasing nuclear threats".

 

This exercise can lead to a reaction from North Korea, because Pyongyang considers these actions as a practice for invading its territory and turns such a move into a prelude to the development of its nuclear weapons and missile systems.

 

Officials in Seoul and Washington said this year's "First Liberty Shield" military exercise, will include computer-simulated drills, coordinated ground maneuvers and live-fire exercises. 

 

The military officials of the two countries stated in a press conference in Seoul that the United States and South Korea especially intend to strengthen their capability and position to deter and defend against weapons of mass destruction.

 

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman Lee Seong-joon said that about 19,000 soldiers of the country will participate in the exercise.

 

He believes that this military exercise is a necessary element to maintain a strong defensive position to protect his country.

 

Ryan Donald, the spokesman for US forces in South Korea, did not confirm whether Washington's strategic equipment will be used in this exercise, without mentioning the number of American troops in this exercise.

 

According to IRNA, the United States has increased the deployment of long-range bombers, submarines and task force ships in recent months to train South Korea and Japan to counter North Korea.

 

Meanwhile, this week, South Korean people came to the streets to protest the holding of joint exercises between Seoul and Washington, as well as the military alliance between America, Japan and South Korea.