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US Marines are carrying out bizarre training in freezing temperatures to prepare for a North Korean attack at the Winter Olympics.

Around 220 marines and another 220 South Korean troops took part in a number of military exercises - including topless hand-to-hand combat - at the site of the games in Pyeongchang in South Korea.

It is feared that Kim Jong-un may launch an attack during the games next February with the UN General Assembly approving a resolution last month calling for all countries to observe a truce.

But the military exercises, that have been carried out since 2013, are said to risk infuriating leaders in Pyongyang and were under consideration to be scrapped to avoid raising tensions.

The three-week program began on December 4 and have seen the semi-naked troops performing star jumps, press-ups and carrying out other physical tests with the emphasis often on team bonding.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: AFP) (Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

The marines wore camouflaged face paint as they competed in a number of military exercises and games.

The exercises also emphasise the close relationship between South Korea and the US at a time of high tension on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korean Marine Corps Commandant Lt. General Jun Jin-goo told the marines: "You are a symbol of the robust South Korea-U.S. alliance, overcoming the severe cold with comradeship.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: AFP) (Image: Getty Images AsiaPac) (Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

"Let's defend the Republic of Korea (South Korea) firmly on the basis of hot comradeship and strong combat power of the allies' Marine Corps.

A spokesman for the US marines told Yonhap News Agency that conditions dropped down to -20C.

(Image: AFP) (Image: AFP) (Image: Getty Images AsiaPac) (Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

South Koreas armed forces will provide security at the Winter Olympics next February.

About 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea in joint defence with the South's forces against North Korea.