North Korea Labels Joint US-South Korea Drills “Provocative”, Says Nuclear War Is Possible

Large-scale joint military drills between the United States and South Korea known as Freedom Shield have been criticized as "frantic" and "provocative" by a spokesman for the North Korean Ministry of Defense.

The military exercises were cited as the cause of the unrest in the region by a statement issued by North Korean state media, which also asserted that the US is a "arch-criminal" that poses a nuclear menace to humanity.

The spokesperson asserted, "The exercises can never be defensive; they are an attempt to invade the North."

As the United States and South Korea prepare for significant elections, North Korea is predicted to escalate tensions even further this year with more missile launches and bellicose statements. Experts predict that North Korea may carry out a minor act of provocation this year close to its tense border with South Korea.