North Korea Condemns US-South Korea Military Drills as ‘Nuclear Blackmail’

North Korea has accused the United States and South Korea of engaging in “nuclear blackmail” through their joint military drills. The state media KCNA reported on Friday that North Korea would take corresponding action against what it referred to as “warmongers’ madness.”

Since March, US and South Korean forces have been conducting intensified springtime exercises, including air and sea drills involving an American aircraft carrier and heavy bombers. These exercises have drawn strong criticism from North Korea, which considers them a rehearsal for invasion.

KCNA stated, “The enemy warmongers’ madness has reached a point where it cannot be overlooked, as their plot to crush us militarily is another clear indication.” The news agency warned that the ongoing “frantic nuclear war fuss” among the US and its allies would trigger corresponding responses.

North Korea affirmed its commitment to developing its weapons programs, citing it as a legitimate right of a sovereign state to possess more powerful means of self-defense against potential threats and serious situations.

In recent months, North Korea has intensified its military activities, revealing designs for new, smaller nuclear warheads, conducting an intercontinental ballistic missile test capable of striking the US, and testing a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone.

Notably, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently inspected a military satellite station, emphasizing the urgent need to successfully launch a spy satellite given the prevailing security environment. Kim has emphasized the importance of advancing surveillance technology to enhance the country’s ability to strike targets during crises.

In December, North Korea conducted a significant “final phase” test for a spy satellite and announced its plans to complete preparations for the launch by April.