South korea: South Korea's top general on Monday visited the Army's 2nd Operations Command to inspect its military readiness amid ongoing key springtime drills between the South Korean and U.S. militaries, his office said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung was briefed on the progress of the Freedom Shield (FS) exercise at the command in Daegu, some 240 kilometers southeast of Seoul. He urged troops to ensure the safety of the central and southern regions under its charge.

The 2nd Operations Command is responsible for defending the Chungcheong, Gyeongsang, and Jeolla provinces, whereas the Army's Ground Operations Command is tasked with defending the capital area and Gangwon Province.

Jin also visited the Air Force 2nd Master Control and Reporting Center at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul. He ordered troops to ensure capabilities to better respond to all-around aerial threats by integrating aerial assets, including detection and intercept systems, with various platforms.

The JCS chairman also inspected the readiness posture of the Air Force 11th Fighter Wing and instructed troops to conduct practical joint exercises to respond "overwhelmingly" to any provocations from the enemy.