Joint US command shaping deterrence on the Korean peninsula
Officials in Pyeongtaek have urged residents to move to safety after a white phosphorus leak at Osan Air Base. Decontamination is complete, a safety cordon has been set, and evacuation orders were lifted; the U.S. 51st Fighter Wing says there was no base-wide evacuation.
North Korea has issued a warning of stronger deterrence as the U.S.-South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises approach. Pyongyang contends that the drills are provocative and vows to respond with a new level of deterrence. Multiple missiles have been fired this week, with experts saying the launches are intended to pressure the allies.
The United States has reduced two major joint military exercises with South Korea — cutting the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise from 11 days to five and suspending the Ssangyong marine drill — citing limited U.S. force availability tied to the war in Iran and presidential orders. Seoul and Washington are consulting on when to resume training while Pyongyang has launched ballistic missiles in response.