US, South Korea to Delay Joint Military Exercises

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says the U.S. has agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the Winter Olympics.

Pentagon spokesperson, Col. Rob Manning, says President Donald Trump agreed to the delay in consultation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

Manning says in a brief written statement: “The Department of Defense supports the president’s decision and what is in the best interest of the ROK-U.S. alliance,” referring to the U.S. defense treaty with the Republic of Korea.

The decision pushes back a set of annual military exercises known as Foal Eagle, which normally are held between February and April. Foal Eagle is a series of exercises designed to test the readiness of the two countries’ militaries.

The Winter Olympics begin Feb. 9 in Pyeongchang, South Korea.