N. Korea warns of 'self-defense' against S. Korea-U.S. drills

North Korea has denounced the upcoming joint military drills between Seoul and Washington, vowing to take what it calls 'self-defense measures.'

The warning comes amid recent signs of easing tensions, including both Seoul and Pyongyang taking down propaganda loudspeakers along the border.

Moon Ji-young reports.

North Korea's defense chief has denounced a planned large-scale joint military exercise between South Korea and the U.S.

According to the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency on Monday, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol warned that Pyongyang would exercise its "self-defense" right against any provocation.

He delivered the warning a week before Seoul and Washington are set to commence their annual summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise scheduled from August 18th to 28th.

Defense Minister No asserted that the joint exercise, conducted under a simulated nuclear war scenario, constitutes a direct military provocation against the North, significantly amplifies the unpredictability of the armistice on the Korean Peninsula, and cements regional destabilization.

This follows the announcement by South Korea and the U.S. on Thursday that they would conduct their regular combined Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise for the defense of the Korean Peninsula in contingencies.

The allies also stated that around 20 of the more than 40 field training exercises planned during this period would be postponed to September.

However, North Korea did not mention the postponement of some exercises.

North Korea's stern warning comes despite recent signs of a potential de-escalation from the reclusive state.

Last Saturday, Pyongyang began dismantling some loudspeakers installed along its border, which were previously used for noise campaigns against South Korea.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that North Korean military activities to remove loudspeakers were detected in parts of the front-line area as of Saturday morning.

The military indicated that further verification is required to determine if this removal will extend to all border areas.

This move by the North comes after the South completed removing its border loudspeakers last Tuesday, aimed at reducing inter-Korean tensions.

Moon Ji-young. Arirang News.