Korea-U.S. Ssangyong Exercise Canceled at U.S. Request… Military Operations Limited Due to Situation in Middle East

The 'Ssangyong Exercise' (Exercise Ssangyong), a Marine Corps-led amphibious landing drill training for entry from the coast into enemy territory, has been canceled next month at the request of the United States. According to the Ministry of National Defense and other sources, the U.S. informed the South Korean side in June that "there are limitations on military operations due to the situation in the Middle East." The biennial Ssangyong Exercise has involved over 10,000 naval and Marine forces from both countries conducting landing training.

On the 23rd, the Ministry of National Defense stated that while preparations for additional North Korean troop deployment to Russia continue, imminent signs have not yet been identified. They also explained, "It is presumed that a significant number of casualties have occurred among the North Korean troops already deployed."

Should a troop movement of this scale take place, troops and equipment would need to be transported via transport ships through major North Korean ports such as Chongjin Port; therefore, South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities continue to monitor for any indications of such movement.