US, South Korea to delay joint military exercises during Winter Olympics

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In this handout image provided by South Korean Defense Ministry, U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers flying with F-35B fighter jets and South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter jets during a training at the Pilsung Firing Range on September 18, 2017 in Gangwon-do, South Korea.

The Pentagon says the U.S. has agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the Winter Olympics.

Col. Rob Manning is a Pentagon spokesman. Manning says President Donald Trump agreed to the delay in consultation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

Manning says in a brief written statement: “The Department of Defence supports the president’s decision and what is in the best interest of the ROK-U.S. alliance,” referring to the U.S. defence treaty with the Republic of Korea.

The decision pushes back a set of annual military exercises known as Foal Eagle, which normally are held between February and April. Foal Eagle is a series of exercises designed to test the readiness of the two countries’ militaries.

The Winter Olympics begin Feb. 9 in Pyeongchang, South Korea.