The KCNA, official news agency of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Monday issued an article warning the U.S. and South Korea against going ahead with their military exercises.

The grave situation prevailing on the Korean Peninsula was moving to "the point of explosion" as a result of the reckless military provocation by the U.S. and South Korea, the article said.

The Ulji Freedom Guardian joint military exercise, "an escalation of the nuclear war maneuvers," shows the U.S. and South Korea want to "ignite an all-out war on the Korean Peninsula at any cost," the article added.

In fact, the nuclear war exercises are actions for a war of aggression against the DPRK, clearly proving that the U.S. and South Korea's intention to mount "a preemptive surprise nuclear strike at the DPRK" is becoming a reality, the article said.

Although the clouds of a nuclear war are hanging over the Korean Peninsula, the army and people of the DPRK with the nuclear deterrent for self-defence would not be scared, the article said.

The article warned the U.S. and South Korea that they would face the serious consequences because of their reckless military provocations which are driving the situation on the peninsula to the worst phase. They should clearly understand the army of the DPRK, highly alerted with an iron will and a firm stand, "never says empty words."

A spokesman for the General Staff of the Korean People's Army released a statement on Aug. 15 warning the U.S. and South Korea that the DPRK would beat back mercilessly their repeated provocations.

The Ulji Freedom Guardian war games are scheduled for Aug. 16-26, with the participation of more than 30,000 U.S. troops and 56,000 South Korean soldiers.