North Korea conducted artillery firing drills to boost combat readiness ahead of the upcoming South Korea-U.S. joint military exercise, scheduled for August 18-28. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), tactical artillery units held a “firing practice contest” Monday as part of the General Staff’s training plan. The drills aimed to perfect the army’s warfighting capability and readiness, and to show determination to deter “military gangsters” near the border. The exercise was overseen by Pak Jong-chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, without leader Kim Jong-un’s attendance. Defense Minister No Kwang-chol warned that Pyongyang will take “self-defense” measures against any provocation. North Korea has long condemned Seoul-Washington joint drills as invasion rehearsals, while the allies maintain they are defensive in nature.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250812000700315?section=nk/nk
