The U.S. and south Korea are perpetrating military provocations on the Korean peninsula, rendering the regional situation extremely tense, the statement said, and went on:

The aim of the joint drill is to launch a preemptive nuclear attack on the DPRK, genuine independent country for people.

The Korean people are getting more firmly united around supreme leader Kim Jong Un despite the intensified aggression and pressure by outsiders.

It is as clear as noonday that the escalated moves of provocateurs for aggression on the DPRK would make them face stronger counteraction.

We appeal to peace-loving people to raise their voices critical of the reckless military provocation against the DPRK.

We are convinced that the Korean people would firmly protect the country's sovereignty and national dignity under the banner of Songun.