The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has issued a stern warning against joint military exercises planned by the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States, labeling them a "direct military provocation" that threatens regional stability. Defense Minister No Kwang Chol declared the DPRK military's "absolute mission" to defend national security through "thoroughgoing and resolute counteraction" in a statement published by state media KCNA.
The annual ROK-U.S. drills, scheduled to begin August 18, aim to test command systems and troop readiness under an updated nuclear threat response strategy. While field exercises were partially postponed to September due to weather concerns, the DPRK maintains the drills represent a "real and dangerous threat."
This development comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with analysts noting the DPRK's consistent opposition to allied military preparations. The 11-day exercise follows March 2025 drills that featured advanced military assets, underscoring ongoing security challenges in Northeast Asia.
