North Korea Criticizes Upcoming US-South Korea Military Drills

North Korea has condemned the annual joint military exercises planned by the United States and South Korea, stating that the drills will exacerbate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. According to state media KCNA, the exercises, named Freedom Shield, are scheduled to commence on March 11 and continue until March 20. The stated objective of the drills is to bolster readiness against potential threats from North Korea. KCNA reported that North Korea has warned that if the United States persists with military demonstrations, North Korea will have no choice but to strengthen its strategic deterrence.