US and South Korea launch largest ever military drills together

US and South Korea as the two begin their largest ever military drills as North Korea has warned of “indiscriminate” nuclear strikes on the two, reports BBC.

North Korea says it sees the annual US-South Korean war games as a rehearsal for invasion. Last year, it threatened to turn Washington into a “sea of fire”.

Approximately 17,000 US forces are participating in the exercises, alongside around 300,000 South Korean troops – both significant increases on 2015’s numbers.

Despite starting on the same day, Key Resolve is more computer simulation-driven and ends on 18 March, while Foal Eagle is more focussed on field exercises and runs until 30 April.

The South’s defence ministry has warned Pyongyang against any “rash act that brings destruction upon itself”.

“If North Korea ignores our warning and makes provocations, our military will firmly and mercilessly respond to it,” said spokesman Moon Sang-gyun.

Japan’s foreign minister also demanded that North Korea show restraint.

“North Korea’s nuclear, and nuclear missile development is absolutely unacceptable.

We will coordinate with the international community to demand that North Korea show restraint, and abide by the various resolutions including that of the six party talks,” said Fumio Kishida.

Though unconfirmed, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, citing military sources, has reported that the exercises will include training for precision attacks on North Korean leadership and its nuclear and missile facilities.