Official announcements from US, South Korean, and Japanese defense ministries; major news agencies

South Korea, Japan, and US Conduct Three-Day 'Freedom Edge' Military Exercise to Counter North Korean Threats

Jun 29, 2024, 10:50 PM

South Korea, Japan, and the United States conducted their first joint military exercise named 'Freedom Edge' from June 27 to June 29, 2024. The three-day, multi-domain drills took place in waters off southern South Korea and involved naval and air forces. The exercise aimed to counter North Korean threats and enhance operational cooperation among the three nations. North Korea condemned the drills, labeling them an 'Asian version of NATO' and warned of 'fatal consequences.' The North Korean Foreign Ministry asserted that the exercise signifies the formation of a military bloc similar to NATO in Asia. During the drills, North Korea attempted a ballistic missile test.