U.S. and South Korean Troops Conduct River-Crossing Drill Near DMZ

U.S. and South Korean troops carried out a large-scale river-crossing drill near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on Thursday, as part of their annual Freedom Shield military exercises. The operation, held in Yeoncheon, aimed to enhance joint combat readiness amid ongoing regional tensions.

During the drill, tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles crossed the Imjin River using temporary floats and a bridge constructed by soldiers. The six-day exercise involved 600 troops and over 100 military assets, including helicopters and armored vehicles, according to military officials.

Despite the recent suspension of live-fire drills—following an incident where South Korean jets mistakenly bombed a civilian area near the border, injuring 29—the river-crossing operation proceeded as scheduled.

North Korea has repeatedly criticized U.S.-South Korea military drills, labeling them a prelude to invasion. However, South Korean military officials maintain that these exercises are crucial for alliance preparedness and regional security.