US, South Korean forces hold joint logistic drills

ANKARA

South Korea and the US kicked off joint drills aimed at strengthening their combined logistics capabilities, Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday.

The five-day combined distribution exercise got under way on Monday in multiple locations across the East Asian nation, joined by some 2,000 South Korean and US troops.

The drill is meant to train troops on procedures to distribute supplies, personnel and equipment to combat units within the peninsula. It has mobilized tanks, aircraft, warships and civilian cargo ships.

While earlier exercises took place on a limited scale in southern areas, this year's drills will train troops in actual operational areas in an effort to maintain their combat capabilities.

Yoon denounces North Korea-Russia defense pact

President Yoon Suk Yeol denounced North Korea's sending of trash-carrying balloons to South Korea and its military cooperation with Russia.

"Recently, North Korea has not hesitated to undertake such despicable and irrational provocations distributing trash balloons. Last week, it signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation treaty with Russia, which started the war in Ukraine, and promised to strengthen military and economic cooperation in blatant violation of UN Security Council resolutions," Yoon said in an address marking the 74th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War.

"These are none other than anachronistic acts going against the progress in history," he said. "Our military will maintain a steadfast readiness to ensure that North Korea does not dare to challenge South Korea under any circumstances and will respond overwhelmingly and decisively to any provocations from the North."

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently paid a state visit to North Korea, elevating ties with Pyongyang. The two sides pledged to provide military support to each other in case of any aggression.

Meanwhile, Seoul claimed North Korea sent around 350 trash-carrying balloons toward South Korea since Monday night.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid