North Korea on Monday threatened to launch nuclear strikes against the United States and South Korea in reaction to the latest joint military drills started by the allies. In a statement issued hours before the drills began, North Korea's National Defence Commission said it was prepared for an "all-out" military counter-offensive, AFP reported. Responding to the threat, South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Moon Sang Gyun said that the North must refrain from a "rash act that brings destruction upon itself", reported the Associated Press.

Around 3,00,000 South Korean troops and 15,000 US soldiers are participating in the drills this year, making it the largest ever exercise by the allies. The annual drills are reportedly held to test their response to possible attacks by North Korea and always raise tensions. The situation is particularly volatile this year, with the drills being held days after the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to increase sanctions against North Korea. Hours after the sanctions were adopted, South Korea said that Pyongang had fired several short-range projectiles into the sea. Earlier this year, North Korea also tested a hydrogen bomb and launched a satellite that can help advance its long-range missile technology.