US and South Korea train against North Korea's tunnels

The U.S. military has used robotic dogs in joint drills with South Korea, focusing on North Korea's hidden tunnel networks. This exercise, called "Freedom Shield," began on Monday in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Military officials believe North Korea possesses thousands of tunnels under its capital, Pyongyang. These tunnels may serve as secret escape routes for leaders like Kim Jong Un and could also house weapons. The purpose of the drills is to show North Korea that its underground facilities are closely monitored. Around 370 soldiers from the U.S. and South Korea are participating in the exercises. The drills started with reconnaissance drones, which helped plan ground assaults on enemy positions near the tunnels. Troops practiced securing entrances and cutting off essential services, trapping hypothetical enemy forces inside. Advanced technology and mine-clearing robots were utilized during the training. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command stated that these exercises improve cooperation and strengthen the defense alliance between the U.S. and South Korea. Lieutenant Colonel Hwang Hyeon-jo remarked on the importance of the joint effort in sharing combat strategies. He noted that the training provided valuable experiences in underground warfare. The "Freedom Shield" exercises will run until March 21.