South Korean military braces for possible North Korean provocations amid planned joint military exercises with the United States due to begin later this month. Reported by Yonhap.

The South Korean military is ready to fire artillery shots at the "

The agreement calls for an end to all hostile military activities between South Korea and North Korea.. It was signed after the 2018 summit between former South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un..

This statement was made by the South Korean military on the eve of the Freedom Shield exercises scheduled for March 13-23, against the backdrop of constant military provocations from Pyongyang..

Last year, Pyongyang violated a 2018 agreement by firing 13 artillery shells at maritime "

Then the forces of Seoul limited themselves to responding to provocations with joint military exercises without equivalent countermeasures.. But late last year, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup told parliament that the military would take offensive action if necessary, noting that South Korea should not be the only one to abide by the 2018 deal..

These statements came after North Korean drones crossed the inter-Korean border last December 26, prompting South Korea to send its drones in response to the move..

Analysts say North Korea is expected to strongly protest this year's general military exercise as it includes new large-scale field exercises in line with Allied efforts to strengthen training programs and make them more "

Pyongyang has warned that Seoul and Washington will face "

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It was previously reported that North Korea may conduct a lower, longer trajectory test of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), as well as a seventh nuclear test, as early as this year to improve its military capabilities.. This was stated by the legislators of South Korea, referring to representatives of intelligence.

North Korea recently launched four strategic cruise missiles as part of an exercise designed to demonstrate "