The drills, which will kick off next week, are a "direct military provocation" against North Korea, Pyongyang said.

North Korea conducted artillery firing drills, state-run media reported Tuesday, as the United States and South Korea prepare to kick off a joint military exercise.

South Korea's top military officer on Tuesday called for a firm readiness posture against North Korea's possible provocation during a major South Korea-U.S. summertime exercise set to take place later this month.