North Korea threatens with 'countermeasures' as US, Japan, South Korea hold joint military drill

The three countries are set to conduct the annual defensive "Freedom Edge" drills from September 9 to 11, something that is seen by North Korea as a provocation.

FILE PHOTO: A missile is fired during a test-fire of strategic cruise missiles and anti-warship missiles from the destroyer Choe Hyon, North Korea, April 12, 2026, in this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), April 14, 2026.

(photo credit: KCNA VIA REUTERS)

ByREUTERS

SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 17:40

North Korea's newly appointed defense minister Kim Song-gi has called the upcoming joint military drills to be held by South Korea, Japan, and the United States a provocation, state media KCNA reported on Monday, carrying his statement.

The three countries are set to conduct the annual defensive "Freedom Edge" drills from September 9 to 11.

This is a developing story.

North Korea threatens with 'countermeasures' as US, Japan, South Korea hold joint military drill

The three countries are set to conduct the annual defensive "Freedom Edge" drills from September 9 to 11, something that is seen by North Korea as a provocation.

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North Korea threatens with 'countermeasures' as US, Japan, South Korea hold joint military drill

The three countries are set to conduct the ​annual defensive "Freedom Edge" drills from September 9 to 11, something that is seen by North Korea as a provocation.

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The three countries are set to conduct the annual defensive "Freedom Edge" drills from September 9 to 11, something that is seen by North Korea as a provocation.