North Korea on Tuesday threatened to take unspecified “responsible” military action in response to ongoing joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, which North Korea says are part of an invasion plan. claims.
North Korea’s warning came a day after South Korean and U.S. militaries began their annual computer-simulated command post training and various field exercises over 11 days. This year’s drills are scheduled to include 48 on-the-job drills, twice as many as last year.
In a statement published by state media, North Korea’s Ministry of Defense said it “strongly condemns the reckless military exercises between the United States and the United States.” [South Korea] for military threats and invasion attempts against sovereign states that have become less and less concealed; ”
A ministry spokesperson said the North Korean military will “continue to monitor the enemy’s adventuristic actions and conduct responsible military activities to firmly control the unstable security environment on the Korean Peninsula.”
Kim Jong Un threatens to attack and ‘occupy’ South Korea in case of conflict
A U.S. Army Apache helicopter takes off from Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, on March 4, 2024. (AP)
The spokesperson did not say what military action North Korea would take, but some observers say North Korea is likely to conduct missile tests or other measures to strengthen its war capabilities. I guess.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry said late Tuesday that the drills with the United States were regular defense exercises and that if North Korea made a direct provocation against South Korea during the drills, South Korea would respond overwhelmingly.
North Korea views the South Korea-U.S. military drills as a rehearsal for invasion, but South Korean and U.S. officials have repeatedly said they have no intention of attacking North Korea. North Korea has responded to military exercises in the past, including firing missiles into the sea.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff announced last week that this year’s military exercises with the United States are aimed at neutralizing North Korea’s nuclear threat and will include live-fire, bombing, air raids and missile interception training.
President Putin presents North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with a Russian-made limousine
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said North Korea would not seek reconciliation with South Korea, eliminating the country’s long-held goal of peaceful reunification. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Agency, Associated Press)
Concerns about North Korea’s nuclear program have grown over the past two years, as the country has launched missile tests at a record pace and publicly threatened to use nuclear weapons first. In response, South Korea and the United States expanded military exercises and expanded the deployment of powerful U.S. military assets, including aircraft carriers and nuclear-capable bombers.
North Korea has conducted six missile tests and artillery drills this year.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said North Korea does not seek reconciliation with South Korea, ruling out the country’s long-standing goal of peaceful reunification with South Korea. Kim also said North Korea would take more aggressive military positions along its disputed maritime border with South Korea.
As South Korea and the United States hold major elections this year, North Korea is expected to further escalate tensions with an increase in missile tests and bellicose rhetoric. Experts say North Korea may carry out limited provocations this year along its tense border with South Korea.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
