North Korea conducts military drills, fires ballistic missiles in response to US and South Korea

North Korea's drills come as the US and South Korea prepare to end a similar exercise called Ulchi Freedom Shield.

Image released by North Korea of ​​the launch of two short-range ballistic missiles on August 31. (Source: KCNA)

On August 31, KCNA (North Korea) reported that Pyongyang conducted a command post exercise involving the entire military in response to the ongoing military exercises between South Korea and the United States. Leader Kim Jong-un visited the command post of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) on August 30.

This news agency “The exercise is aimed at creating conditions for the commanding officers and staff units of the entire army to fully prepare for war and acquire strong military response capabilities through measures to familiarize them with the procedures of action at the time of being placed in a war situation,” it wrote.

Notably, in a separate response, KCNA said the KPA conducted a tactical nuclear strike exercise, simulating the destruction of key bases and airports in South Korea.

“The rocket unit launched two tactical ballistic missiles northeastward from Pyongyang International Airport and accurately carried out its nuclear strike mission… The drill was aimed at sending a clear message to the enemy,” the North’s news agency said.

Earlier, the South Korean military confirmed that the KPA had launched two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the sea east of the Korean Peninsula, hours after the US deployed B-1B strategic bombers to participate in a joint air exercise with South Korea in the Yellow Sea. The US and South Korean forces are expected to conclude the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise on August 31.

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