Pyongyang issues stern warning to US: “We will respond in kind!”

North Korean Defence Minister Kim Son Gi has criticised US-involved military exercises in the region and warned that Pyongyang would take reciprocal measures in response to any escalation of tensions.

TodayPress TV reports that his remarks were published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

“If the US and its allies create a new military confrontation with us, we will take strong and reciprocal measures in response,” the defence minister said.

He described the “Freedom Edge” exercises, launched by South Korea, the US and Japan on September 7, as provocative, and also referred to the “Orient Shield” exercises involving the US, Japan and Australia, scheduled to take place from September 8 to 24. Pyongyang traditionally describes US-South Korean military exercises as war rehearsals.

“I issue a stern warning against the reckless military manoeuvres of the US and its satellites that create the possibility of alarming military confrontation and clashes on the Korean Peninsula, as well as about the consequences of such actions. If necessary, we will demonstrate our ability to respond to the enemy’s manoeuvres with stronger and more decisive practical measures,” the minister said.

Aysel Matlab