North Korea on Friday condemned the upcoming U.S.-South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercise. In this photo, taken Thursday, U.S. military vehicles are parked at a base in Dongducheon. Photo by Yonhap
SEOUL, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- North Korea on Friday condemned an upcoming major U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise, calling it a rehearsal for an "aggressive war" and warning that Pyongyang will respond to any threats with "overwhelming force."
An unnamed spokesperson for the North's Foreign Ministry made the comments in a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
The spokesperson said this year's 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which kicks off Monday, is more provocative than previous versions, claiming it is intended to "complete preparations for the substantial military confrontation with the DPRK."
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.
