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Pyongyang Warns of “Self-Defense” Measures

North Korea has also issued increasingly forceful statements about the military drills.

In a statement reported by Yonhap, Pyongyang said it would exercise its right to self-defense and vowed to neutralize what it described as threats from hostile forces.

Such rhetoric has understandably fueled concern, but threatening language should not automatically be interpreted as confirmation that a full-scale attack has been ordered.

The U.S. and South Korea Actually Scaled Back Their Exercises

One important detail missing from the viral headline is that the United States and South Korea recently reduced the scope and duration of their joint military exercises.

The decision followed an order from President Donald Trump to reduce U.S. participation. The exercises were ultimately shortened, with some planned field activities also reduced.

North Korea nevertheless criticized the exercises and subsequently launched missiles.

Is South Korea Preparing to Attack?

There is currently no credible evidence in the sources reviewed that South Korea has ordered a deliberate attack on North Korea.

In fact, South Korean officials have emphasized that the purpose of the joint exercises is defensive readiness rather than preparing to invade the North.

That distinction is important.

Military forces can increase readiness, conduct exercises, and respond to missile launches without those actions constituting an order to begin a war.