The United States and South Korea have ended their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise early after reducing its duration and some field training, according to reporting published on 21 August.

The change followed a US decision to scale back the exercise. AP reported that the allies wrapped up the drill a day after North Korea launched a barrage of short-range missiles, while the Pentagon and South Korean authorities have said essential training objectives would be preserved.

North Korea has publicly dismissed the reduced exercise as insufficient to change what it calls the drills’ hostile character. Reuters also reported a cool response from Kim Yo Jong to the idea that the reduction could operate as a goodwill gesture. The confirmed schedule change remains separate from unconfirmed consequences for readiness, deterrence or future talks.