Photos reveal America and Japan WAR GAMES on North Korea's doorstep
More than 2,000 US Marines are taking part in the war games on Hokkaido Island in Japan, close to Kim Jong-un's hermit state. A further 1,500 Japanese troops are involved in the the 18-day exercise, dubbed Northern Viper 17 by military officials. A spokesman for the Marines said the United States was committed to "supporting the security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region".
We have very limited opportunities to come together with our Japanese counterparts James Harp
US commanding officer James Harp described the drills, which kicked off last Thursday, as "extremely important". He added: "We have very limited opportunities to come together with our Japanese counterparts in a large scale to conduct this type of training. "We need to continue training like this to better protect the region from its adversaries."
REUTERS US Marines and Japanese troops are carrying out joint live-fire drills
US and Japanese tanks take part in military exercise - in pictures Mon, August 14, 2017 US and Japanese tanks have taken part in a joint exercise in Eniwa, on the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan as tensions rise over the North Korean nuclear threat Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 16 Japan's Ground Self Defense Force Type 90 tanks (front) and U.S. Marine Corps LAV-25 Light Armoured Vehicles take part in their joint exercise, named Northern Viper 17
REUTERS The 18-day training exercise in Japan has been dubbed Northern Viper 17
The military manoeuvres come as tensions between US president Donald Trump and the North Korean regime continue to escalate. Mr Trump last week vowed to unleash "fire and fury" on Pyongyang if Kim Jong-un does not abandon his nuclear programme. He renewed his threats days later, saying "military solutions" were "locked and loaded" for use against North Korea.
REUTERS Tensions between Donald Trump and the North Korean regime are soaring
Following his outspoken remarks, the North Korean military threatened to attack the US territory of Guam. The tiny Pacific island is home to major US air and naval facilities. On the weekend, authorities in Guam warned residents how to prepare “for an imminent missile threat".
REUTERS North Korean officials have threatened to attack the US territory of Guam
However, South Korean President Moon Jae-in downplayed the threat of nuclear war during a meeting with senior aides this morning. He said: "Whatever ups and downs we face, the North Korean nuclear situation must be resolved peacefully. "I am certain the United States will respond to the current situation calmly and responsibly in a stance that is equal to ours."
REUTERS North Korea's state news agency KCNA has sparked fears of a nuclear war