North Korea condemns US-Japan joint military drill

North Korea has denounced Japan for participating in the Resolute Dragon joint military exercise with the United States, accusing Tokyo of sharpening its "invasion capability." The criticism was carried in an editorial by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

According to the editorial, Japan has aggravated the security situation in the region by deepening its military ties with the US. Pyongyang further stated that long-range missiles were test-fired in a "preemptive" capacity intended to strike neighboring nations during Japan's first participation in a US-led multinational exercise in the Asia-Pacific region in April and May.

North Korea warned Tokyo about a "tragic end" should it persist in "reckless" military behavior. The Resolute Dragon exercise, involving Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces and the US Marine Corps, began on June 20 in Okinawa and Kyushu, major islands in southwestern Japan, and is scheduled to end Tuesday.

According to Mehr News, the report by the Korean Central News Agency highlighted North Korea's strong opposition to the joint drills, viewing them as a threat to regional stability.