SEOUL, March 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. military started a six-day military exercise Sunday with South Korean troops aimed at preparing the Asian country for potential military threats.
Meanwhile, North Korean officials allege the joint military operation is simply a "massive war game" by the two global forces oriented toward preparing South Korea for an invasion of its neighbor to the north, the Yonhap News Agency said.
But officials say the Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration of Forces exercise is simply a precautionary effort. They say the exercise will focus on preparing South Korea's combat capabilities in case of war.
The military effort will also serve as a training ground for the estimated 28,000 U.S. troops currently stationed in South Korea.
The news agency said North Korea was informed of the military exercise by the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, which did not want the practice session to provoke North Korean officials.
