DPRK Rebukes U.S., South Korea, Japan Military Exercises

(MENAFN) Senior officials from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) issued sharp criticism on Saturday against the imminent military exercises being conducted by the United States, South Korea, and Japan, as reported by media on Sunday.

Starting Monday, Seoul will host two concurrent drills: Freedom Edge, a joint multi-domain outdoor exercise involving the U.S. and Japan, and Iron Mace, a tabletop simulation focused on responding to nuclear threats, according to South Korean media.

Kim Yo Jong, Vice Department Director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), described the "Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula" developed by the U.S. and South Korea as a perilous concept.

Kim Yo Jong argued that the DPRK interprets the guidelines as a clear expression of the hostile policies of the U.S. and South Korea, viewing them as a continuation of their confrontational approach. She further warned that the aggressive military actions by the three countries near North Korea would inevitably have negative consequences for them.

Pak Jong Chon, Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK, strongly criticized the Iron Mace exercise, calling it a rehearsal for nuclear warfare with the intent of using nuclear weapons against the DPRK. He also condemned Freedom Edge, labeling it the most extensive and aggressive war drill conducted by the three nations in terms of scale, content, and nature.

He cautioned that the reckless military maneuvers of the three countries pose a severe threat to North Korea’s security interests, heightening the risk of destabilizing the region and escalating military tensions. Pak made it clear that if these provocations persist, the DPRK would respond with decisive and intensified counteractions.

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