South Korea launches military drill with US despite North’s opposition

South Korea and the United States yesterday launched an annual military drill despite condemnation by North Korea, which has threatened a "merciless" retaliatory strike.

The "Ulchi Freedom Guardian" exercise will last until August 29.

Although largely played out on computers, the drill involves tens of thousands of South Korean and US soldiers and is aimed at testing combat readiness for a North Korean invasion.

According to the South Korean defence ministry, this year's drill will, for the first time, simulate the response to a nuclear attack threat, using a strategy of "tailored" deterrence developed last year at annual South Korea-US defence talks.

North Korea has repeatedly called for the exercise to be cancelled, and last week its military joint chiefs of staff threatened to "mercilessly open the strongest... pre-emptive strike" if it goes ahead.

South Korean officials said its military would be on a heightened state of alert during the joint exercise.