US begins large military drill with South Korea while waging war in the Middle East

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By KIM TONG-HYUNG
Updated 8:42 PM CDT, March 8, 2026
Leer en español

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The United States began a large military exercise with South Korea involving thousands of troops Monday while also waging an escalating war in the Middle East.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff has said about 18,000 Korean troops will take part in Freedom Shield, which runs through March 19. U.S. Forces Korea hasn’t confirmed the number of American troops participating in the training in South Korea.

The allies’ combined exercise comes amid South Korean media speculation that Washington is relocating some assets from South Korea to support fighting against Iran.

U.S. Forces Korea said last week it would not comment on specific movements of military assets for security reasons. South Korean officials also declined to comment on the reports that some U.S. Patriot anti-missile systems and other equipment were being moved to the Middle East, but they said there would be no meaningful impact on the allies’ combined defense posture.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/us-korea-freedom-shield-north-korea-iran-53caaf3a57e175e8d247c9c934aa0fea

[Lovie777]

1. shithole going after North Korea?......................

China?

[James48]

2. I can see it now -

Last edited Mon Mar 9, 2026, 02:21 PM - Edit history (1)

Ten thousand of those U.S. troops who are exercising now with Koreans
will be loaded onto airplanes on March 20, after the exercise is over, and flown straight to a base in Saudi Arabia, where they will be loaded onto trucks and buses, and driven towards the Iranian border.

[ananda]

3. So the boots on the ground will be South Korean.

Wow.

So, why do you think South Korea is going along with this?

[James48]

6. No- the boots on the ground will hecAmerican troops

That are currently stationed in Korea.

And some from Germany

And a lot from South Carolina, and a bunch from Texas.

[Bengus81]

4. Just like Putin did with saps from North Korea who don't know shit about real war

All they know is how to do is dress up and march for dear leader.

[Coolgoober]

5. The Military Has Drills With Korea

Almost every year at this time of year. They've been doing it for decades.