North Korea has strongly condemned the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) military exercises between the United States and South Korea, calling the drills a rehearsal for an “aggressive war.”

The exercises are scheduled to begin on August 17 and will include large-scale military operations, including training involving drones, electronic warfare and cyber operations.

Pyongyang warned that the growing military cooperation between Washington and Seoul is increasing security risks on the Korean Peninsula and said North Korea would respond to the heightened threat by strengthening its deterrence capabilities.

The warning comes after North Korea launched two ballistic missiles within less than a week, raising concerns that Pyongyang could conduct further weapons tests as the joint drills begin.