amphibious landing exercises between American and South Korean troops

The US and South Korean militaries have embarked on a large-scale joint exercise aimed at practicing amphibious landings, despite North Korea's protests and missile launches. The 'Ssangyong' drills are the first such drills in five years and are expected to conclude on April 3. The exercise features more than 30 vessels from both countries, 70 aircraft, including F-35B stealth fighters and AH-64 attack helicopters, as well as 50 amphibious assault vehicles. According to Yonhap, participating in the drills for the first time are several dozen British marines, with military personnel from Australia, France and the Philippines observing them. North Korea said on Monday that it had test-fired a missile "tipped with a test warhead simulating a nuclear payload" over the weekend, demonstrating Pyongyang's firepower and readiness to respond to any "reckless moves" by Washington and Seoul.

Pyongyang insists its increased military activity is merely a response to the ongoing US-South Korea military exercises, which the North believes to be preparation for an attack. Washington and Seoul, in turn, say that the maneuvers are intended to demonstrate the "overwhelming" capabilities of the partner nations.