North Korea warns of Immediate action over US, South Korea- Japan military drills

 North Korea issued a strong condemnation on Saturday of the recent joint military drills conducted by the United States, South Korea, and Japan, threatening immediate action to defend its sovereignty. The drills, which took place last week under the name "Freedom Edge," involved advanced military assets, including fighter jets, marine patrol aircraft, and the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington. These exercises have intensified tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea accusing the participating countries of provoking instability and escalating the risk of military confrontation.

In a statement released by its defense ministry, North Korea warned that the U.S. and its allies should immediately cease their "hostile acts" that could lead to an armed conflict. The North expressed concern that such military activities were pushing the region closer to a real conflict, further destabilizing the situation on the peninsula. Referring to the U.S. and its partners as "followers hostile towards the DPRK" (the Democratic People's Republic of Korea), Pyongyang made clear that it would keep all military options available and take preemptive actions if necessary to protect its security.

The warning reflects North Korea’s longstanding opposition to the presence of U.S. forces in the region and the growing military cooperation between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. Pyongyang has frequently criticized joint military exercises as provocative, viewing them as rehearsals for an invasion and a direct threat to its regime. Despite international calls for denuclearization talks, the North has continued to develop its missile and nuclear programs, citing the need for self-defense against perceived external threats.

The statement, carried by the North’s official KCNA news agency, underscores the ongoing tension in the region, where military activities, diplomatic deadlock, and nuclear weapons development continue to fuel uncertainty. North Korea's pledge to "closely watch" the actions of the U.S. and