North Korea has strongly criticized upcoming joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, labelling them a “direct military provocation” and pledging “resolute counteraction”, Firstpost reported.
Defense Minister No Kwang Chol said the 11-day drills, starting August 18, pose a serious threat to the DPRK’s security and stability, accusing the allies of heightening hostility under the guise of defense.
The annual exercise, aimed at testing command control and troop mobilization, will have major field operations delayed until next month — widely seen as part of President Lee Jae Myung’s effort to reduce tensions.
Pyongyang has recently shown limited goodwill, removing some border loudspeakers after Seoul did the same, while issuing criticism in a more restrained tone, according to Firstpost.
