North Korea warns of new ‘deterrent’ ahead of US-South drills

North Korea has expressed its opposition to upcoming US-South Korea military drills, warning that it may respond with stronger deterrent measures. The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, set to commence on Monday, are a regular summer event designed to prepare the US and South Korea for a potential conflict with the nuclear-armed North. Pyongyang accuses the drills of being rehearsals for an invasion.

In a statement released by the North Korean foreign ministry, officials emphasized the regime's consistent principle of responding to threats with a proportional level of deterrence. The official added that Pyongyang will not tolerate the situation created by the enemy states and will clearly express its stance on the enemies to cope with any threats through responsible and decisive use of the right to legitimate self-defence.

The statement labeled the drills as aiming to complete preparations for a substantial military confrontation with North Korea. This is seen as an admission that the exercises, described by the US and South Korea as annual and defensive, are actually a rehearsal for an aggressive war. The US-South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield drills involve 18,000 South Korean troops and 28,500 US personnel stationed in the country.

North Korea has been increasingly active in international conflicts, notably supporting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Its soldiers have gained valuable experience on modern battlefields, according to a North Korean spokesman. The drills are expected to prepare soldiers for a potential fight against North Korean troops who are battle-hardened from their deployment with Russian forces in Ukraine.