S. Korea, US begin 2013 annual military drills+ Video

South Korean and US troops have launched their annual joint drills amid heightened tension following the Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s third nuclear test last month.

South Korean Yonhap News Agency says the Foal Eagle exercises come after the DPRK warned the top US commander in South Korea of "miserable destruction" if the American military goes ahead with the two-month-long drills.

Tens of thousands of troops from ground, naval and air forces are taking part in the field training exercise. They will last until April the 30th. Separately, South Korean and US troops will conduct computer-simulated drills named Key Resolve from March the 11th to 21st.

CNTV/ NHK