Pyongyang threatens "negative consequences" amid US-South Korea military drills

North Korea has threatened the United States and South Korea over planned military exercises, warning of "negative consequences."

The country’s Defence Minister, No Kwang Chol, stated that the planned joint exercises between South Korea and the United States represent a "real threat" and could allegedly further escalate the unstable situation on the Korean Peninsula, Caliber.Az reports, citing North Korean media.

North Korea also considers these exercises a "main reason" in worsening the regional situation, and claims that military pressure against North Korea will "backfire" and lead to reduced security for Washington and Seoul themselves.

“The armed forces of the DPRK will cope with the war drills of the U.S. and the ROK [Republic of Korea] with thoroughgoing and resolute counteraction posture and strictly exercise the sovereign right of the DPRK at the level of the right to self-defence in a case of any provocation going beyond the boundary line,” Chol said.

The United States and South Korea will hold their annual summer exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS). It will start on August 18 and run until August 28.

By Khagan Isayev