North Korea warns US of "serious consequences" over joint drills with South Korea

North Korea has issued a stern warning to the United States, threatening serious consequences over the ongoing joint military exercises with South Korea, which involve the participation of US B-1B bombers. The North Korean Ministry of Defence expressed its concern that these drills, which took place in the region, could lead to detrimental outcomes for the US itself.

The statement, published by North Korea’s official news agency, KCNA, highlighted that the so-called "bluffing military actions" of the US are creating significant risks to North Korea’s sovereignty and regional stability, per Caliber.Az.

The North Korean defence ministry declared that it would force Washington to realise the dangers of escalating provocations against North Korea through the application of "overwhelming deterrence forces." Pyongyang emphasised that such actions from the US will only increase the level of threat posed to the United States.

A spokesperson for North Korea’s Ministry of Defence asserted that the US is continuing a strategy of military pressure, prioritising the demonstration of strength rather than engaging in diplomatic efforts to resolve issues.

The B-1B bomber participated in joint air drills with South Korean fighter jets on April 15. South Korean authorities explained that the purpose of these drills was to improve defence capabilities and strengthen military cooperation between the two nations. However, North Korea perceives these exercises as a rehearsal for an attack and a potential precursor to military escalation.

The North Korean statement underscored that the country’s armed forces would not tolerate any threat to the nation’s sovereignty or security. "The Armed Forces of North Korea will not allow even the slightest threat from hostile forces to the sovereignty and security of the state, and will deter the aggressive intentions of the US with overwhelming force," the statement declared.

Earlier in March, the US and South Korean forces carried out exercises involving the blocking and capture of underground tunnels and bunkers in North Korea, utilising drones and quadruped robotic dogs. These drills incorporated the latest in military technology, including South Korean drones and quadruped walking robots named "Swede."

North Korea has repeatedly expressed its concerns over the intensifying military cooperation between Washington and Seoul, calling it the main destabilising factor on the Korean Peninsula. This time, Pyongyang has reiterated that "all future actions will have consequences," signalling the seriousness with which it views the ongoing military activities.

By Tamilla Hasanova