N. Korea Threatens Nuclear Strike, US, S. Korea Begin Drills

North Korea has threatened a preemptive nuclear strike as the U.S. and South Korean forces began their largest joint military exercises ever. The yearly military drills often increase tensions between North and South Korea. This year, tensions are especially high after the U.N. Security Council approved new sanctions on North Korea. The sanctions are in response to the North’s recent nuclear and long-range rocket tests. Key Resolve and Foal Eagle drills much larger this year The joint military exercises are known as Key Resolve and Foal Eagle. The drills involve 17,000 American troops. That is four times the number that took part last year. Three hundred thousand South Korean troops joined the drills. Many U.S. aircraft and naval ships are also involved. These include the nuclear-powered submarine, the USS North Carolina, and the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS John C. Stennis. North Korea’s National Defense Commission denounced the military exercises in a statement. It said North Korea was prepared for a "sacred war of justice for reunification.” In the statement, the commission said the military exercises were aimed at harming “the sovereignty” of the North. South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-kyun called the North Korean threat “unacceptable.” The U.S. and South Korea said the joint drills are defensive in nature. This year, the two allies reportedly will practice carrying out preemptive military strikes against North Korean targets.