In South Korea, warplanes belonging to the country’s air force accidentally bombed a residential area due to a confusion in coordinates. Following the fatal error, live-fire and flight drills were suspended.

According to Yonhap, Colonel Ryan Donald, spokesman for the US Forces Korea (USFK) stationed in South Korea, made a statement regarding the “Freedom Guardian” exercise, the first major joint exercise between the two countries since President Donald Trump took office in January.

ALL LIVE FIRE AND FLIGHT DRILLS SUSPENDED Donald noted that all live-fire and flight training exercises planned as part of the exercise scheduled to start on March 10 would be suspended following South Korean warplanes accidentally bombing outside the exercise area.

CAUSE OF ERROR UNDER INVESTIGATION It was reported that once the exact cause of the accidental bombing is determined and necessary measures are taken, the exercise will continue as planned.

Donald stated, “We take this incident very seriously. We are in close coordination with the South Korean Ministry of National Defense. We are determined to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation.”