North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has denounced the ongoing joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, calling them a clear signal of hostility toward his country.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim made the remarks on Monday while overseeing an integrated weapons systems test aboard the Choe Hyon, the North’s first 5,000-ton destroyer.
“The joint military exercises between the US and South Korea, which are being conducted again from today, are a clear expression of their stance that clearly shows their intention to be the most hostile and confrontational toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea,” Kim was quoted as saying.
He further claimed that the drills had become “more provocative” by involving a “nuclear element,” which he said required North Korea to take “proactive and overwhelming” countermeasures.
The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise began on Monday and will run for 11 days. It includes large-scale drills designed to strengthen defense readiness against potential threats from North Korea.
Alongside the military drills, a four-day civil defense exercise is also taking place, mobilizing about 580,000 civilians. As part of these activities, a nationwide anti-air raid drill is scheduled for Wednesday.
