South Korea, US Conduct Joint Underground Combat Drills

Seoul, 17 Mar (ONA) --- South Korea and the United States today began joint drills simulating subterranean combat, as the two countries seek to enhance their readiness to counter military threats.

Korean News Agency (Yonhap) reported that the four-day drills will take place at a training ground in Paju, about 30 km north of Seoul, with the participation of approximately 370 soldiers as part of the two countries' ongoing annual Freedom Shield exercises.

The drills, led by the Korean Ground Operations Command, are designed to train troops on combat tactics in underground facilities in the event of war. The South Korean military has recently sought to improve its preparedness for underground warfare, establishing a Special Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in 2019 and training specialized forces to operate in underground facilities.

The South Korean military announced that this week's drills will train troops on the use of explosives to trap enemies inside tunnels, as well as small drones for reconnaissance operations.

--- Ends/Khalid