North Korea Threatens Stern Response to US-South Korea Drills
North Korea threatened unspecified retaliation against US-South Korea joint military drills scheduled for mid-August, with analysts predicting the regime may conduct additional missile tests ahead of the exercises.
North Korea has threatened to take unspecified stern measures against the United States and South Korea ahead of their major joint military exercise, codenamed "Ulchi Freedom Shield," scheduled for August 17-27. The warning suggests North Korea may conduct additional missile tests in the coming days, as experts say Pyongyang often uses rival drills as a pretext to expand weapons testing and boost public support for leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea's Foreign Ministry called the joint US-South Korea exercises a "war rehearsal" that is more provocative and dangerous than last year, creating instability at a different level. In a statement, North Korea said: "Our consistent principle for building security is to counter new-level threats with new-level deterrence measures as well. North Korea will take a clearer stance against enemies to deal with any threats and challenges through the legitimate exercise of self-defense rights in a responsible and resolute manner."
