In response to annual and routine military exercises being done by South Korea and the United States, on Saturday North Korea issued strong objections to the procedures.
Though reclusive North Korea consistently issues objections to any military exercises that are conducted by South Korea and the United States, the current threat of "miserable destruction, if your side ignites a war of aggression by staging the reckless joint military exercises ... at this dangerous time", has been well noted due to North Korea’s recent underground nuclear test two weeks ago, in addition to the successful launch of a long-range missile capable of transporting a warhead.
The detonation of the nuclear charge was the third in Pyongyang's history and the first under young leader Kim Jong Un's rule. In response, South Korea's military reacted with fierce military drills, including a public display of newly deployed cruise missiles with pinpoint accuracy.
South Korea’s military has been on heightened readiness ever since.
North Korea issued the objections to exercises Key Resolve and Foal Eagle scheduled for March and April to U.S. commander James D. Sherman, state run news agency KCNA reported.
The message was delivered over the phone in English, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.
It also condemned the threat of new sanctions over North Korea's recent actions.
A United Nations military commission informed Pyongyang of the upcoming routine exercises, according to a joint statement from U.S. and South Korean military officials.
Around 10,000 U.S. forces will participate in Foal Eagle from March 1 to April 30. Key Resolve will involve 10,000 South Korean troops and 3,500 U.S. troops in exercises March 11 to 21.
Key Resolve will include U.N. troops and neutral supervisors.
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