Pyongyang: North Korea on Monday denounced a large-scale joint military exercise between the US and South Korea, warning that it would exercise its "self-defense" right in the event of a provocation, state media reported. The warning was issued by North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol one week before the annual summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise set from Aug. 18 - 28, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

According to Anadolu Agency, No Kwang-chol, North Korea's Defense Minister, expressed strong disapproval of the US and South Korea's actions, accusing them of clear military confrontation with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). He warned that such actions could lead to negative consequences, as they are perceived to undermine the security environment on the Korean Peninsula.

The defense minister described the UFS as "a direct military provocation" and "a real threat" to North Korea. He emphasized that North Korea's military is prepared to respond to the war drills with a "thoroughgoing and resolute counteraction posture." He further stated that North Korea would exercise its sovereign right to self-defense if any provocation surpasses the boundary line.

The UFS exercise, originally consisting of 40 scheduled drills, has seen about 20 of them postponed to the following month due to a heat wave and flood damage. Additionally, there appears to be an effort by Seoul to improve ties with North Korea, which may have influenced the decision to delay some of the exercises.