North Korea Warns of Nuclear Response to US-South Korea Drills

North Korea issued a formal protest early Friday against large-scale joint military drills planned by the United States and South Korea, declaring them more provocative than the exercises conducted in the previous year.

A spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the Korean Central News Agency that military cooperation among the United States, Japan, and South Korea is evolving into a nuclear alliance. Pyongyang stated it would meet this “new level of threat” with a “new level of deterrence.”

Ballistic Launch Ahead of Joint Drills

North Korea launched a ballistic missile shortly before the scheduled start of the annual US-South Korea joint military exercises known as “Freedom Shield” and “Ulchi.” These drills are set to run from 17 to 27 August and will include training to counter drone threats, disrupt Global Positioning System (GPS) infrastructure, and defend against cyberattacks — measures designed to adapt to North Korea’s advancing capabilities.

Consistent Objection to Annual Exercises

Pyongyang consistently denounces such joint military activities, characterizing them as provocations that intensify regional tensions.

Nuclear Deterrence Expansion Claimed

The North Korean government announced plans to further strengthen its nuclear deterrent. It accused the United States of implementing a new nuclear strategy that reduces constraints on weapons use and could push global security “to the brink of nuclear war.”