The United States has canceled a joint military exercise with South Korea that had been scheduled for September, as the Pentagon shifts military personnel and resources to the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
South Korean and U.S. military officials confirmed the cancellation of the Ssangyong exercise.
According to U.S. President Donald Trump, the Pentagon has approximately 39,000 U.S. troops stationed on the Korean Peninsula under the countries’ mutual defense arrangement.
South Korea now plans to conduct the exercise independently.
When held jointly with the United States, Ssangyong typically involves between 10,000 and 20,000 personnel, amphibious assault ships and advanced stealth aircraft.
Washington reportedly informed Seoul that it would be difficult to mobilize sufficient forces for the exercise because of the demands created by the war involving Iran.
The decision comes after the early conclusion of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise between the two allies. The drills were shortened from 11 days to five under Trump’s direction, as the U.S. administration placed greater emphasis on engagement with North Korea.
The UFS exercise concluded last Friday after being reduced to five days, reflecting the broader adjustment of U.S. military priorities amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
