(MENAFN) North Korea strongly condemned the upcoming large-scale joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, cautioning that it will assert its "right to self-defense" if provoked. The statement was delivered by North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol, just one week before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercises scheduled from August 18 to 28.

No accused the US and South Korea of escalating military tensions on the Korean Peninsula and warned of potential “negative consequences.” He described the UFS drills as “a direct military provocation” and “a real threat” to North Korea.

The defense minister emphasized that the North Korean military is prepared to respond decisively, maintaining a firm counteraction posture and exercising the country’s sovereign right to self-defense should any provocations cross established boundaries.

This year’s UFS exercise has seen about half of its originally planned 40 drills postponed to next month, citing factors like a heatwave, flood damage, and South Korea’s efforts to improve relations with North Korea.

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