North Korea has issued a stern condemnation of South Korea's joint military exercises with the United States, warning of severe repercussions for Seoul's participation in such actions.

In a press statement on Monday, a spokesman for North Korea's Ministry of National Defense criticized the large-scale drills as provocative and designed to escalate tension in the region. The statement, carried by the KCNA, highlighted the involvement of armed forces from multiple satellite countries under the "UN Command" and described the exercises as unjustified and aggressive.

The North Korean Ministry emphasized the volatile nature of the Korean peninsula and asserted that the joint drills could not be considered defensive measures. Instead, it characterized them as reckless actions tantamount to a military threat and invasion.

North Korea vowed to closely monitor the actions of its adversaries and undertake necessary military measures to ensure stability in the region. It warned that South Korea and the United States would face significant consequences for their participation in the drills, leading to heightened security concerns on the Korean peninsula.

The exercises, known as Freedom Shield, are scheduled to take place from March 4 to March 14. North Korea's strong denouncement underscores the ongoing tensions and fragile security situation in the region.