North Korea threatens strong response to US-South Korea military exercises

North Korea described the upcoming joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea as a "direct military provocation," warning that it is prepared to respond firmly to these drills. This was stated in a statement issued by North Korean Defense Minister, No Kwang-chol, on Monday, confirming that the North Korean army has a "fundamental mission" to defend national security against these threats.

The minister added, according to a statement reported by the official agency: "The armed forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will resolutely deal with these war exercises and will exercise their right to defend their sovereignty with all their might."

This warning comes after Seoul and Washington announced last week the start of their annual military exercises on August 18, aimed at testing command control capabilities and mobilizing forces within an enhanced security strategy to counter what they described as the "growing nuclear threat" from Pyongyang.

These exercises are scheduled to last for 11 days, with a significant portion of the field exercises postponed to September due to weather conditions, according to a joint statement issued by both sides.

This postponement is believed to be part of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's policy aimed at easing tensions with its northern neighbor, especially after his victory in the early elections held last June.