\At the Mugeon-ri training ground in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, soldiers from the 25th Division entered a building to conduct an internal search as part of the 2025 FS/TIGER exercises during the “Combined WMD Removal Operation Training.” / Photo courtesy of the Republic of Korea Army 2025.3.12

North Korea has warned that it could resort to “the most destructive and lethal military means” in response to the recent U.S.-South Korea joint exercises, including the WMD removal training and UGF response training, conducted as part of the Freedom Shield (FS) drills.

On Thursday, a North Korean Defense Ministry spokesperson issued a statement condemning the U.S.-ROK combined exercises, specifically the “Combined UGF Response Training” and the “Combined WMD Removal Training,” as provocative special operations. The spokesperson described them as an aggressive show of force, contradicting the claim that the drills were purely defensive in nature.

The spokesperson further argued that, despite the U.S. and South Korea’s insistence on their defensive objectives, the exercises were nothing more than a “dry run for invasion” aimed at North Korea.

The official emphasized that North Korea’s military response could involve the use of its most devastating and lethal options, aiming to deter the U.S. and South Korea. If necessary, the country would target the sources of provocation. This statement was a demonstration of North Korea’s military strength.

The spokesperson also warned that the reckless actions of the U.S. and South Korea, driven by the misguided belief that they could undermine the sovereignty and security of a nuclear-armed nation, would inevitably result in the most severe consequences—ones that neither country would want. The spokesperson demanded the immediate cessation of any further provocative and dangerous military maneuvers.

Earlier, on March 12, U.S. and South Korean forces conducted the “Combined WMD Removal Training” at the Mugeon-ri training site in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, simulating an operation to infiltrate North Korea and neutralize weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear arms.

Then, on Monday, the forces carried out the “Combined UGF Response Training” in Paju, focusing on preparing for operations against North Korea’s underground military facilities, such as tunnels.

North Korea has warned that it could resort to “the most destructive and lethal military m …

North Korea Threatens ‘Most Lethal’ Response Over U.S.-South Korea Drills