Pyongyang: North Korea’s defense minister issued a stern warning on Monday, stating that Pyongyang would exercise its “self-defense” right in response to any provocations stemming from the planned joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.
According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol’s statement comes a week before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise is set to commence from August 18-28. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that No Kwang-chol condemned the drills as showcasing a military confrontation stance against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and warned of potential negative repercussions.
The defense minister asserted that North Korea’s military is prepared to respond with a “thoroughgoing and resolute counteraction posture,” emphasizing the country’s right to self-defense in the face of any provocations that cross the boundary line. He described the exercise as both a “direct military provocation” and a “real threat” to the security of the Korean Peninsula, predicting it would have a “boomerang effect” that could destabilize South Korea-U.S. security.
No Kwang-chol further criticized the UFS as the primary driver behind the deteriorating security situation on the peninsula. He emphasized that it is the North Korean military’s “absolute mission” to counter such military provocations and safeguard regional peace.
The UFS exercise this year has seen adjustments, with around 20 of the original 40 drills postponed due to a heat wave, flood damage, and Seoul’s efforts to improve relations with North Korea. This follows concerns voiced by Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who criticized the exercise last month.
However, the North Korean defense minister’s latest statement did not acknowledge these adjustments, maintaining a firm stance against the continuation of the military drills.