N. Korea warns of 'new level of deterrent' ahead of key S. Korea-US military drills

North Korea has harshly criticized upcoming joint military drills between South Korea and the United States, threatening to escalate its response to a new level of deterrent. A spokesperson from North Korea's foreign ministry made the statement, as the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise is set to commence on Monday and continue until August 27.

The North Korean statement claims that Washington has downplayed the significance of the annual drill, describing it as markedly different from the past five years. This claim allegedly serves Washington's objective to hone modern warfare tactics, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). By making these remarks, North Korea asserts its consistent policy of ensuring security through responding to any new threat with a proportional level of deterrent force.

The statement reiterates Pyongyang's unwavering determination to thwart hostile acts by external forces and to defend the nation's supreme interests with the most powerful and overwhelming force.