U.S. troop reduction in exercise not due to North Korea concerns - Mattis

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis speaks at the opening of the 53rd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 17, 2017. REUTERS/Michael Dalder

AMMAN (Reuters) - A reduction in U.S. troops taking part in a joint exercise with South Korean forces this year simply reflects a need for fewer personnel and is not because of tensions with North Korea, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Sunday.

About 17,500 U.S. service members are participating in the exercise this month, down from 25,000 last year, according to the Pentagon.