North Korea Warns of Strong Response as US, South Korea Prepare for Military Drills

North Korea has condemned the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) military exercises involving the United States and South Korea, accusing the two allies of preparing for an “aggressive war.”

The joint military drills are set to begin on August 17 and will involve large-scale exercises covering areas such as drone operations, electronic warfare and cyber activities.

Pyongyang has warned that the expanding military cooperation between Washington and Seoul is creating greater security tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea said it would respond to what it considers an increased threat by further strengthening its military deterrence capabilities.

The warning comes shortly after North Korea fired two ballistic missiles within a period of less than a week. The launches have raised concerns that Pyongyang could carry out additional weapons tests during or around the time of the US-South Korea exercises.

The latest developments are likely to further increase tensions in the region as Washington and Seoul prepare to begin the annual military drills.