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

While denouncing an upcoming annual defense drill between Seoul and Washington in a statement carried on its state-run media on this Monday North Korea also began dismantling its loudspeakers directed toward South Korea this past weekend.

Moon Ji-young has more.

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.

In response to Pyeongyang's denunciation, Seoul's Ministry of National Defense said:

"The ROK-U.S. combined exercises are annual, defensive drills conducted to maintain a robust combined defense posture. They have significantly contributed to peace and stability, not only on the Korean Peninsula, but also in the wider region. The defense authorities of both South Korea and the U.S. are closely coordinating the execution of these combined 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.

In response to these developments, Seoul's Ministry of Unification said:

"Regarding North Korea's dismantling of propaganda loudspeakers along the border, our government assesses positively Pyongyang's swift action in removing its own loudspeakers following our removal of anti-Pyongyang loudspeakers."

The move by the North comes just days after Seoul completed removing border loudspeakers aimed at reducing inter-Korean tensions last Tuesday.

Moon Ji-young. Arirang News.