North Korea warns of countermeasures against US-led military drills

North Korean Defense Minister Kim Song-gi has issued a sharp criticism of ongoing joint military exercises involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan. In his first public statement since being appointed on August 29, Kim warned that Pyongyang would respond with “appropriate and firm countermeasures” if the US and its allies attempt to escalate military confrontations.

Kim specifically targeted the ‘Freedom Shield’ exercises and the US-led ‘Orient Shield’ drills, which include Japan and Australia. He accused the military cooperation between the US, Japan, and South Korea of evolving into an aggressive framework that incorporates nuclear elements. Additionally, Kim expressed objections to the planned deployment of the US Army’s Multidomain Mobile Task Force in South Korea.

The North Korean official asserted that these maneuvers are pushing instability on the Korean Peninsula and beyond to unprecedented levels, heightening regional security risks.