Pyongyang Calls Latest U.S.-S. Korean Drills A ‘Provocation’

North Korea has condemned last week’s joint air exercise by the U.S. and South Korea, calling it provocative, reports Reuters.

On Monday, the North Korean military called last week’s Vigilant Storm drills as an “open provocation” and “dangerous war drill,” vowing to “thoroughly and mercilessly” counter any provocations.

The six-day exercise concluded on Saturday. Meanwhile, last week Pyongyang launched several missiles, including an intercontinental ballistic missile that failed, and fired hundreds of artillery rounds into the sea.

The military also said it conducted drills simulating attacks on air bases and aircraft as well as a major South Korean city.

A South Korean rescue ship recovered debris believed to be from a North Korean short-range ballistic missile that landed off the South Korean coast last week, said the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.