Escalating Tensions: The Provocation of Freedom Shield

North Korea's foreign ministry condemns the annual U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, known as Freedom Shield, calling them a 'dangerous provocative act.' The exercises are scheduled to start on Monday and will continue until March 20, heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea has issued a strong condemnation of the forthcoming joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. The exercises, known as Freedom Shield, have been labeled a 'dangerous provocative act' by Pyongyang's foreign ministry, according to state-run media outlet KCNA.

The annual military drills are set to commence on Monday, running through until March 20. This year's event continues to raise alarm as tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high.

Such exercises are traditionally met with backlash from North Korea, which perceives them as preparation for invasion, further complicating the already fragile geopolitical relationship with the U.S. and its South Korean ally.

(With inputs from agencies.)