North Korea denounces South Korea-US air drills

Key facts

• North Korea denounced joint South Korea-US air defense drills.
• The drills are increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, according to North Korea's Defence Ministry.
• North Korea stated it maintains a strong deterrent posture.
• The drills involve F-35A and F-35B fighter jets.
• The drills are scheduled to run until November 6.

North Korea's Defence Ministry stated on Friday that joint air defense drills between South Korea and the United States were escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The ministry, speaking through its spokesperson and reported by state media KCNA, asserted that North Korea would maintain a robust deterrent posture to counter any threats posed by the military actions of the US and its allies. The Freedom Flag drills, involving both nations' air forces and stealth jets like the F-35A and F-35B, commenced on Monday and are slated to conclude on November 6.