US, South Korea cut short joint drills after Trump criticism

Allies US and South Korea are currently holding joint military exercises. The drills will, however, wrap up earlier than planned after Trump ordered cuts.

The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, designed to prepare for a possible attack by North Korea, will end around a week earlier than planned, both countries announced on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he had told the Pentagon to curtail the exercises citing his 'good relationship' with North K

The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, designed to prepare for a possible attack by North Korea, will end around a week earlier than planned, both countries announced on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he had told the Pentagon to curtail the exercises citing his 'good relationship' with North K

Annual war games between South Korea and the United States will end around a week earlier than planned, both countries have said.

The move appears aimed at luring North Korean leader Kim Jong Un back to talks, years after denuclearization negotiations with Washington collapsed.

President Trump ordered the exercises be scaled back, citing what he said was a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to join the U.S. war against Iran.

North Korea has long voiced outrage at the drills, considering them dress rehearsals for an invasion.