SEOUL, March 7 (UPI) — North Korea has spoken out against an upcoming joint military exercise between the U.S. and South Korea, claiming that “counteraction is inevitable” and vowing that the allies will “pay dearly.”
This response came shortly after the U.S. and South Korea announced their annual Freedom Shield exercise, scheduled to take place from Monday through March 20. This exercise will consist of computer simulations and on-the-ground training exercises.
Col. Ryan Donald from U.S. Forces Korea shared that Freedom Shield is designed to tackle “realistic threats,” reflecting lessons from recent conflicts and the changing military strategies of North Korea, especially concerning its ties with Russia.
North Korea, officially called the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), often criticizes these military drills. Although the U.S. and South Korea describe them as defensive, North Korea views them as preparations for an invasion. An unsigned commentary from the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) claimed that the drills would simulate an “all-out war” against the DPRK.
The KCNA statement argued that no matter how the U.S. and South Korea portray these drills as routine, they remain “offensive and confrontational.” The commentary pointed out the recent arrival of the USS Carl Vinson, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, in South Korea and a live-fire drill held near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Interestingly, the KCNA did not address a recent mishap where South Korean fighter jets accidentally bombed a residential area in Pocheon, resulting in injuries to 29 people, including 15 civilians. Following this event, South Korea’s Ministry of Defense has paused live-fire drills while investigating the incident, but confirmed that the Freedom Shield exercises would continue.
According to the KCNA, the upcoming exercises might escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula, stating that “counteraction is inevitable.” The agency warned that if the U.S. continues its military activities, North Korea would be compelled to showcase its strategic deterrent capabilities.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry responded to North Korea’s remarks, emphasizing that the joint drills are necessary for defense. Spokesman Koo Byung-sam remarked that North Korea often shifts blame for rising tensions onto the U.S. and South Korea, asserting that their military exercises are meant to protect freedom.
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Source linkSouth Korea, North Korea, military exercise, Freedom Shield, military drills, exercise, Korean Central News Agency
