Anadolu staff
19 March 2026•Update: 19 March 2026
ISTANBUL
The United States and South Korea have concluded their annual Freedom Shield military exercise amid rising tensions with North Korea, local media reported Thursday.
The 11-day drill simulated wartime scenarios and enhanced joint operational readiness “across all domains,” the two sides said in a joint statement.
About 18,000 troops participated, while the number of field exercises dropped to around 22 from 51 last year.
Officials said drills will be spread out over the year to support potential diplomatic efforts.
The exercise also assessed conditions for transferring wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington to Seoul, a long-standing goal of South Korea’s government.
North Korea criticized the drills as “rehearsals for invasion” and conducted multiple ballistic missile launches during the period.
