North Korea: US-South Korea Military Exercises are 'Pouring Gasoline on the Fire'

North Korea warned on Sunday that the US's annual joint military exercise with South Korea, scheduled for Monday, August 21, is akin to 'pouring gasoline on the fire' of tensions between the two countries. According to AFP, the current verbal clashes between the two sides began after Pyongyang tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles last month, which North Korean officials claim can reach parts of the US. The missile tests prompted US President Donald Trump to threaten that Washington could unleash a rain of 'fire and fury' on Pyongyang. Subsequently, North Korea threatened to fire a barrage of missiles at the US territory of Guam. However, Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, stated last week that he would delay this action but added that the decision could change depending on Washington's next move. Despite these threats and warnings, South Korea and the US will conduct a joint exercise called 'Ulchi Freedom Guardian' on Monday. This exercise is expected to involve tens of thousands of military personnel, which Pyongyang has deemed 'highly provocative and a rehearsal for invasion.' The Rodong Sinmun, an official North Korean newspaper, described the US-South Korea joint exercise as 'the most blatant display of hostility' and added that this action 'is like pouring gasoline on the fire' that could worsen the situation on the peninsula. The newspaper also warned of an 'uncontrollable phase of nuclear war,' stating: 'If the US is immersed in this delusion that war on the Korean Peninsula is a battle far from its own territory in the Pacific, it is making a bigger mistake than ever.' According to a statement from the South Korean Ministry of Defense, about 17,500 US troops will participate in the annual joint exercise with South Korea. A senior South Korean military official stated on Sunday, August 20, that given the increasing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, the current security situation on the peninsula is 'more serious than ever.' He also warned Pyongyang of a retaliatory and ruthless response in the event of any attack. Meanwhile, the US Department of Defense stated that the joint exercise with South Korea is a defensive drill designed with computer software aimed at enhancing troop readiness and protecting the region and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Earlier reports indicated that the 'Ulchi Freedom Guardian' exercise would involve naval, ground, and air drills. The name of this exercise refers to one of South Korea's generals. A day before the Pentagon's announcement regarding the exercise, South Korean President Moon Jae-in assured that there would be no war on the Korean Peninsula. He emphasized that the United States has agreed not to take any military action against North Korea without South Korea's consent.