US and South Korea cut military drills short after Trump criticism

The United States and South Korea have shortened their joint military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield, by half, at Washington's request. The decision follows criticism from President Donald Trump, who had called for the drills to be scaled back. The exercise, which was originally scheduled to last longer, will now end earlier than planned. South Korea's military confirmed the change, stating that the drills will be curtailed. This move marks a significant adjustment to the annual joint exercises, which have been a key part of the US-South Korea defense alliance.