SEOUL: North Korea’s defence ministry has issued a stern warning to South Korea and the United States, urging them to halt their military drills, which it claims are tantamount to preparations for war, as reported by KCNA on Tuesday.
The annual spring exercises, which began on Monday, involve double the number of troops compared to the previous year and aim to enhance responses to North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile capabilities.
In a statement attributed to an unnamed spokesperson from Pyongyang’s defence ministry, the drills were vehemently denounced as “frantic” and “reckless,” with a demand for their immediate cessation. The spokesperson asserted that these exercises, involving 11 member countries of the United Nations Command, are not defensive but rather aggressive in nature, potentially triggering a nuclear conflict.
KCNA quoted the spokesperson warning that even a minor incident could escalate into a nuclear war, emphasizing that the U.S. and South Korea would bear the consequences of their actions. The spokesperson pledged to take robust military measures to counteract the perceived security threat posed by the drills.
In response, South Korea’s defence ministry refuted North Korea’s claims, asserting that the exercises are defensive in nature and aimed at deterring provocations and aggression from the North. The ministry warned that any direct provocation by North Korea would be met with swift and decisive responses.
The Freedom Shield exercises, scheduled to conclude on March 14, coincide with North Korea’s ongoing efforts to bolster its nuclear capabilities through missile tests and other weapons demonstrations. South Korean military officials stated that the exercises are primarily focused on neutralizing North Korea’s nuclear threats, including preemptive measures against potential cruise missile attacks carrying nuclear warheads.
