North Korea issues furious threat after US jets were seen flying over South Korea

Tensions are heating up again on the Korean Peninsula after North Korea issued a strong warning following joint military drills between the United States and South Korea. The drills involved U.S. B-1B bombers flying over South Korea, along with South Korean fighter jets like the F-35 and F-16. These types of bombers are powerful, capable of carrying heavy loads of weapons, and are often used to send a message of strength.

While the U.S. and South Korea say these exercises are just defensive and routine, North Korea sees them differently. To them, it’s a threat — a rehearsal for war. In a fiery statement, North Korea accused both countries of deliberately raising tensions and described the drills as a “grave provocation.”

A North Korean defense spokesperson said the situation had reached a “dangerous level” and made it clear they wouldn’t just sit back and watch. The country warned it would respond with force if needed to protect itself and accused the U.S. of trying to lock in long-term instability in the region.

This is the second time such an exercise has taken place since Donald Trump returned to the U.S. presidency. Interestingly, just weeks earlier, Trump had referred to North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-Un, as a “very smart guy,” and mentioned there was some form of communication between them — which adds another layer to the already tense dynamic.

South Korea, meanwhile, announced even more joint military plans with the U.S. They’re going to run large-scale air drills that will last two weeks and include around 90 aircraft. These ongoing operations are part of a broader strategy to prepare against North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities.

North Korea, however, is especially wary whenever the U.S. brings in strategic military assets like bombers, submarines, or aircraft carriers. It sees those as signs of a potential future attack. So when those show up near its borders, the regime reacts — often loudly and with threats of retaliation.

In short, both sides say they’re defending themselves, but each move seems to raise the stakes higher. And with nuclear weapons in the mix and political tensions flaring, the situation remains risky and unpredictable.