North Korea threatens US with ‘powerful measures’ as joint drills begin

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

#NorthKorea, November 2, 2022 – A series of combined military air drills between Seoul, South Korea and Washington, United States started on Monday and will continue through to Friday of this week. As a result, North Korea’s Foreign Minister, Choe Son-hui, responded in a statement that if the US continues these drills, North Korea will follow with more powerful measures.

The Minister added that the “blame for all the consequences” will be completely on Washington if the “useless and ineffective war exercises” persist.

“The situation in the Korean Peninsula and its vicinity has entered the serious confrontation phase of power for power again due to the ceaseless and reckless military moves of the U.S. and South Korea,” he expressed.

The U.S. Air Force said the joint operation is called Vigilant Storm; it will feature about 240 warplanes conducting about 1,600 sorties.

Washington had deployed a nuclear-powered aircraft near the Korean Peninsula in Early October and this was seen as a warning to the North. According to Seoul, this deployment was rather a show of strength that the South Korea – US alliance would respond to any North Korean threat.

North Korean leader, Kim Jongun, had revised the laws in September, thus, allowing Pyongyang to use nuclear weapons as a precautionary measure. Before, it was only allowed as a response to attacks.

Pyongyang is now preparing for a nuclear weapons test; the first since 2017. Since the start of the year, North Korea has had 40 missile firings which is a new record.

Hence, Washington and Seoul have embraced a strategy to caution Pyongyang through major military drills.  Some officials have also agreed that this may worsen tensions.