A senior North Korean army officer has condemned the regular joint military exercises now underway between the United States and South Korea.



Tuesday's edition of North Korea's ruling party newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, carried a statement by the deputy chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, Kim Yong Bok.



Kim noted that the joint drills assume an attack on a North Korean nuclear facility and are a clear expression of the intention for war.



He stressed that if the United States and South Korea continue their military show of force, they will pay the price, indicating Pyongyang will not hesitate to take countermeasures.



North Korea has repeatedly condemned the drills, which are taking place from August 18 until Thursday. On Saturday, the country test-fired new anti-air missiles under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un.



US and South Korean forces remain on alert and are monitoring the situation.
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Quiz 1:
Who condemned the joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea?
A. The United States Army Officer
B. The South Korean Army Officer
C. A senior North Korean army officer
D. The ruling party of North Korea

Quiz 2:
What is the name of the newspaper where the statement by the deputy chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army was published?
A. The Rodong Sinmun
B. The New York Times
C. The Washington Post
D. The Korea Herald

Quiz 3:
What is the purpose of the joint military exercises as suggested by the statement in the article?
A. Defense drills against a potential attack
B. Offensive drills for an attack on a North Korean nuclear facility
C. Training exercises to strengthen alliances
D. Peace negotiations with North Korea