U.S., South Korea begin joint Navy drills

South Korea and the United States began joint Navy drills in the waters around the Korean peninsula on Monday (local time), amid high tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, Reuters reports.

About 40 Navy ships from both countries, including the nuclear-powered USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, are taking part in the week-long exercises on the east and west coasts of the peninsula, said a spokesman for South Korea's defense ministry.