Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out

A joint military exercise between the U.S. and South Korea has freaked out North Korean leadership.

The annual drill, named Foal Eagle, runs from Feb. 24 to April 18 and features Marines from both countries.

North Korea views the drill as a possible threat and has responded by ratcheting up its own military rhetoric.

Further, The Hermit Kingdom has announced military drills of its own, and launched hundreds of missiles toward a disputed maritime border with South Korea. The country has also promised a new kind of nuclear test in response.

The drill features the landing of several amphibious assault vehicles.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out2

During the landing process, smoke screens are used liberally in an attempt to lower an enemy’s visibility.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out3

The amphibious assault vehicles are manned by the South Korean Marine Corps.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out4

Although the landing operations are carried out jointly by South Korean and U.S. Marines.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out5U.S. and South Korean marines participate in a U.S.-South Korea joint landing operation drill in Pohang March 31, 2014.

These military exercises are held annually, and frequently provoke anger from the North Korean regime.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out6

North Korea and South Korea technically still remain at war …

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out7

So any military procedure carried out by either of the Koreas is viewed with extreme suspicion by the rival side.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out8

North Korea routinely claims these drills are precursors for an invasion …

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out9

Although South Korea and the U.S. insist that they are defensive in nature only.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out10A U.S. (L) marine and South Korean marines participate in a U.S.-South Korea joint landing operation drill in Pohang March 31, 2014.

The U.S. routinely dedicates an extremely large contingent of soldiers and Marines to the drills.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out11

This year, 12,700 U.S. troops are participating alongside many more South Korean soldiers.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out12

North Korea, in an attempt to block the drills from taking place, threatened to pull out from engaging in family reunions with South Korea, but later relented.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out13

Still, North Korea has engaged in provocative measures of its own recently, such as issuing a no-sail warning for disputed territories off its west coast and carrying out live fire drills.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out14

A major benefit of having Marines participate in the exercises is showcasing the full spectrum of amphibious operations.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out15

And they also help showcase U.S. sea-based power in the Pacific.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out16

The heightened tensions on the peninsula make defensive drills all the more important for South Korea.

Here's the military exercise that has North Korea freaking out17

Here’s a GoPro video showing the coastal assault firsthand.


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