Pyongyang’s recent ballistic missile tests were a “clear answer” to Washington and Seoul over their joint exercises last week, and the tests were “corresponding military operations,” North Korea said in a statement.
According to international media reports, US-South Korean military exercises have long provoked strong reactions from North Korea, which sees them as rehearsals for an invasion.
North Korea said it would respond to joint exercises by the United States and South Korea with “sustained, resolute and overwhelming” military measures.
Monday’s warning came amid a spate of missile tests by North Korea in recent weeks, including four ballistic missiles fired on Saturday, days after the United States and South Korea concluded their biggest-ever air force drills.
A statement from the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army said it “will continue to correspond with all the anti-DPRK war drills of the enemy with the sustained, resolute and overwhelming practical military measures,” using an acronym for North Korea’s official name.
The statement also noted the North’s recent ballistic missile tests were a “clear answer” to Washington and Seoul over their joint exercises last week, calling the tests “corresponding military operations”.
“The more persistently the enemies’ provocative military moves continue, the more thoroughly and mercilessly the KPA will counter them,” the statement said.
N Korea threatens ‘resolute’ military response to US-led drills
