N. Korea denounces S Korea-U.S. joint military drills, vows to bolster nuclear deterrent

Seoul, Nov. 2 (Yonhap) -- North Korea harshly criticized the recent joint military drills between South Korea and the United States, stating that the exercises, labeled Iron Mace, are a testament to the North's commitment to bolstering its nuclear deterrent. Kim Jong-sik, a top official in the Workers' Party of Korea, dismissed the drill as a rehearsal for using nuclear weapons against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The North's official news agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), published the statement on Monday. Iron Mace, conducted from September 29 to October 2, aimed to showcase South Korea and the U.S.'s combined capabilities in deterring North Korean threats. Kim also condemned other allied exercises, such as Hoguk, Freedom Flag, and Keen Sword, arguing that the aggressors have escalated their military actions both openly and covertly.

He emphasized that the North must maintain a stronger nuclear presence to counter these threats, reminding everyone that strength is the key to ensuring peace. North Korea remains resolute in its policy to ensure its nuclear deterrent serves the sovereignty and security of the state and regional peace responsibly.