U.S., S. Korea Flex Muscles in Military Drills

In a muscular show of aggression and power, the United States and South Korea joined forces to put on an enormous joint military exercise in Asia on Sunday. While the drills are fairly typical for the two allies, these particular exercises have had extra muscle, meant to warn South Korea’s aggressive northern neighbor against any further hostilities. The purpose of the war games, said Joint Chief of Staffs Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, is “to ensure that our relationship with the South is very strong… and also send the message to the North Koreans that their behavior is completely counter to international norms.” The demonstration will feature some 20 ships, 200 aircraft, and 8,000 troops. In late March, North Korea allegedly attacked a South Korean warship without provocation, killing 46 sailors. The North has denied responsibility, though much evidence points to the contrary.