The modified Freedom Shield exercise, which combines computer simulations and field training and runs through March 20, still drew the condemnation of nuclear-armed North Korea.

South Korea and the United States on Monday began a large-scale annual joint military exercise to strengthen their combined defense c

North Korea condemns US-South Korea military exercises, warning of accidental war escalation following a recent South Korean training mishap.

North Korea condemned an upcoming U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise Friday, saying that "counteraction is inevitable" and warning that the allies would "pay dearly."

South Korean and U.S. troops will begin their large annual joint military drills next week to enhance their readiness against North Korean threats.

North Korea fired several ballistic missiles into the sea after South Korean and U.S. troops began their large annual combined drills, Seoul said.

North Korea fired several ballistic missiles into the sea on Monday, South Korea’s military said, hours after South Korean and U.S. troops kicked off their large annual combined drills, which the North views as an invasion rehearsal.

The North Korea Foreign Ministry said U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises are "a dangerous provocative act," state media KCNA reported on Monday. Annual South Korean and U.S. military exercises called Freedom Shield are due to begin on Monday and run until March 20.