North Korea Threatens Military Action Amid US-South Korea Drills
The North Korean Defense Minister has issued a stark warning, stating that the military will take self-defense measures if “boundaries are crossed” during the upcoming joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, scheduled for August 18-28, reports 24brussels.
No Kwang-chol, head of the North Korean Defense Ministry, condemned the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercises, labeling them a “blatant military provocation” and a “real threat” to regional stability. He underscored that the military’s top priority is to protect North Korea from perceived threats posed by the U.S. and South Korea.
“Any crossing of lines by their adversaries will be met with the strict exercise of the sovereign right to self-defense,” No asserted.
The Defense Minister criticized the drills, suggesting they simulate a nuclear conflict scenario, which increases the instability and unpredictability of the region. He attributed rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula to “unilateral military threats” and confrontational actions from Washington and Seoul.
This year, the UFS exercise has undergone modifications, with around 20 of the initially planned 40 drills postponed until next month. While military officials attributed the adjustments to ongoing heatwave conditions and flood damage, some analysts view this as an attempt by Seoul to enhance relations with North Korea.
South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young indicated in late July that President Lee Jae-myung might propose changes to the drills as part of broader efforts to promote inter-Korean reconciliation. Key decisions are anticipated at the upcoming summit between Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump, reportedly scheduled for August 25, although no official confirmation has been made.
