Seoul, Feb 28 : South Korean and US special commandos are conducting "realistic" combined drills here, involving AC-130J and MC-130J warplanes, to strengthen the "ironclad" security commitment between the allies, a US official said on Tuesday.

The Exercise Teak Knife was kicked off early this month at the U.S. Forces Korea's (USFK) Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, 65 kilometers south of Seoul, officials said. The exercise is set to continue until early next month.

The exercise aims to train special operations forces in infiltrating enemy territories, including close air support, hostage rescue, humanitarian crisis response and other operations.

A U.S. AC-130J aircraft, used to provide fire support to special operations forces, is said to be participating in the exercise.