NORTH KOREA WARNS OF ‘NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES’ FROM US-SOUTH KOREA MILITARY DRILLS. (PHOTO).

 North Korea warns of ‘negative consequences’ from US-South Korea military drills

North Korea’s defense chief on Monday condemned the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercise between the United States and South Korea, warning of “negative consequences” if the drills proceed. Defense Minister No Kwang Choi sharply criticized the allies for what he called provocative actions that escalate military tensions on the Korean Peninsula and threaten regional security, according to a statement carried by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency.

The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, scheduled from August 18 to 28, involves live field maneuvers, computer-based command simulations, and civil defense drills with approximately 21,000 personnel participating. No described the drills as a direct military provocation and a threat that could increase unpredictability in the region. He warned that Pyongyang will exercise its sovereign right to self-defense if provocations cross its boundaries. North Korea has frequently condemned such joint exercises as rehearsals for invasion and has responded in the past with missile launches and other provocations.

A spokesperson for the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) emphasized the defensive nature of the drills, noting that military training is routine for all professional forces, including North Korea. The spokesperson also described North Korea’s statement as relatively restrained compared to past warnings, interpreting it as a warning not to cross the border.

The exercises come amid recent moves to ease tensions, with South Korea removing loudspeakers along the demilitarized zone that broadcast anti-Pyongyang messages and North Korea reciprocating by removing its own speakers. Due to an ongoing heatwave and flood damage, half of the 44 planned field exercises have been postponed to next month. The CFC representative said these adjustments would have minimal impact on readiness, with the most critical training continuing as scheduled.