U.S. Cancels Planned South Korea Amphibious Exercise Over Middle East Force Limits
The United States withdrew from the scheduled Ssangyong joint amphibious landing drills with South Korea, citing limited troop availability due to the conflict in Iran, while both governments discuss rescheduling.
South Korea announced on Monday that the United States has withdrawn from the upcoming Ssangyong amphibious landing exercise, originally set for next month, because of constraints on force availability linked to the war in Iran. The biennial drills, which involve marine units from both nations along with warships and aircraft, are intended to enhance combined amphibious operations.
The decision follows President Donald Trump's recent directive to reduce the duration of the separate annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises from 11 days to five, a move he justified on cost grounds and diplomatic signaling toward North Korea.
"The US Marine Corps formally notified our forces in June that its ability to deploy forces during this year's Ssangyong exercise would be constrained due to the situation in the Middle East," Han Seung-jeon, a spokesperson for the South Korean Marine Corps, told reporters.
Seoul and Washington continue consultations on the possibility of resuming the amphibious drill, though no timetable was provided. The Pentagon did not immediately comment on the cancellation.
Trump has emphasized the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, noting that Pyongyang possesses a growing nuclear arsenal. South Korean estimates place North Korea's nuclear stockpile at 80 to 120 weapons.