Army's special warfare command stages winter drills

South Korea's Army Special Warfare Command is conducting intensive winter drills to boost special operations capabilities in extreme weather. The 12-day exercise is taking place near Daegwallyeong Pass in eastern South Korea and will continue until February. This annual training features veteran officers acting as opponents for more realistic scenarios.

The Army's Special Warfare Command is carrying out its annual winter drills in the peak cold of January and February in a rugged mountainous area. The site is near Daegwallyeong Pass at 1,407 meters above sea level, where temperatures feel as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Troops infiltrate enemy rear areas during the day, concealing themselves with snow and leaves to observe targets. At night, they dig shelters to plan subsequent operations. The exercises also include practicing escapes from enemy territory after missions and tactical skiing to evade strikes.

This year's drills incorporate veteran command officers as opponents to create more authentic scenarios. The Army stated that the training enhances special operations under extreme conditions. It began earlier this month and runs for 12 days until February, though the exact start date was not specified.

These drills form part of South Korea's efforts to maintain defense readiness, particularly in harsh winter environments.

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