(LEAD) N. Korea warns of 'new level of deterrent' ahead of key S. Korea-U.S. military drills

Seoul, Aug. 14 - North Korea has warned that it will respond to joint military drills between South Korea and the United States with an unprecedented level of deterrence. The North's foreign ministry spokesperson made the claim as both nations prepare to begin the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise from Monday until Aug. 27. North Korea accused the U.S. of framing the drills as a means to master modern warfare tactics, implying Washington is preparing for a significant military confrontation.

Pyongyang's foreign ministry stressed that it will only respond to a new threat with an even more powerful deterrent, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the country's security. The DPRK reiterated its resolve to thwart any hostile actions from outside forces and defend its state's interests through a responsible and decisive use of self-defense rights.

North Korea has already launched missiles toward the East Sea in protest of the upcoming drills and is expected to continue issuing denunciations and staging provocations until the exercise concludes, according to the unification ministry.