The US and South Korea will hold a two-day joint naval drill off South Korea’s eastern coast.
The US aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, arrived in the waters off the South Korean port city of Busan on Saturday. The nuclear-powered ship will lead a strike group, including guided-missile cruisers and destroyers. It will also be accompanied by fighter jets and anti-submarine helicopters. The 97,000-ton Nimitz is one of the world’s largest warships. US Rear Admiral Michael S.White said they routinely conduct about 15 to 17 exercises a year with South Korea.
The joint naval drill has been strongly denounced by the DPRK. DPRK troops near the disputed Yellow Sea border have been ordered to strike back if even a single shell drops in their territorial waters.