▲ This photo, provided by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), shows South Korean and U.S. troops conducting explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) training on Sept. 16, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean and U.S. troops have conducted joint explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) drills designed to improve interoperability and strengthen cooperation among relevant agencies, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Thursday.

The EOD drills took place at the Army's I Corps and 9th Infantry Division in Goyang, just north of Seoul, from Wednesday to Thursday, according to the JCS.

Some 200 personnel, including officials from each branch of the military, the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division and the Korea Airports Corp., participated in the drills.

During the drills, EOD teams trained under simulated scenarios involving explosives planted in an urban area, with South Korean and U.S. troops conducting joint operations to achieve a shared objective.

The troops also took part in a seminar to share information on explosives and discuss ways to improve the EOD teams' operational capabilities in peacetime and wartime.

Officials said the drills were not related to recent security developments, including the reportedly ongoing review on the possible deployment of South Korean troops to the Strait of Hormuz, noting they have been held annually since 2019.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]