U.S., South Korea stage largest combined military drills in years

U.S. army self-propelled Paladin tanks fire during a joint live-fire drills, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) at a training field near the demilitarized zone separating two Koreas, in Pocheon, South Korea August 31, 2022. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

POCHEON, South Korea (Reuters) - Less than 20 miles from the fortified border with North Korea, a combined force of South Korean and U.S. troops held a major live-fire exercise on Wednesday with artillery, tanks and other weapons as the allies step up their practice for war.

South Korea and the United States have resumed the largest field exercises in years after diplomatic efforts and COVID-19 restrictions led to many drills being scaled back.