Anti-War Protests Planned Across Five U.S. Cities Against Ulchi Freedom Shield Exercises
Pressenza
- Protests are scheduled in five U.S. cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis, and New York) on August 15 against the U.S.-South Korea 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' (UFS) military exercises.
- Organized by Nodutdol as part of the 'US Out of Korea' campaign, activists are calling for an end to the militarization of the Korean Peninsula and the broader Pacific region.
Ulchi Freedom Shield Overview
- The exercise runs from August 17 to August 27, involving approximately 18,000 South Korean troops.
- U.S. and South Korean officials state the exercise strengthens defensive posture and response capabilities across multiple military domains.
- Activities include live, virtual, and field-based training, with participation from units like the U.S. Army’s 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, focusing on precision fires, cyber, and space operations.
- North Korea has condemned the drills as provocative, labeling the trilateral U.S.-South Korea-Japan cooperation a nuclear-oriented alliance.
Military Presence and Alliance Evolution
- Approximately 28,500 U.S. troops are currently stationed in South Korea, primarily at Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. overseas military installation.
- A June 2026 Congressional Research Service report notes that the U.S.-ROK alliance is shifting its traditional focus from only the North Korean threat to a broader strategic environment involving China and Russia.
Activist Perspective
- Organizers argue that increasing military complexity and sophistication feed a cycle of insecurity, where defense preparations are viewed by adversaries as war planning.
- Protesters advocate for a shift toward diplomacy and cooperation instead of deepening military confrontation.
Protest Schedule (August 15)
- Los Angeles: 1 p.m. PDT, Wilshire/Western Station
- San Francisco: 1 p.m. PDT, San Francisco Federal Building
- Seattle: 1 p.m. PDT, Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center
- Minneapolis: 1 p.m. CDT, 301 Cedar St.
- New York: 4 p.m. EDT, Times Square