North Korea Threatens Retaliation After US Bomber Drill Over South Korea

North Korea has threatened retaliation after the U.S. flew B-1B long-range bombers over South Korea in joint military exercises, which Pyongyang views as a rehearsal for invasion and a direct threat to its security. The drills, involving U.S. and South Korean fighter jets, were described by Seoul as a demonstration of combined deterrence against North Korea's advancing nuclear program. North Korea's defense ministry condemned the move as a 'grave provocation,' warning it would respond with 'powerful force' and claiming the operation escalates military tensions to dangerous levels. Such U.S. flyovers have previously prompted North Korean missile tests and heightened rhetoric. The ongoing Freedom Flag aerial exercises, featuring 90 aircraft from both allies, are expected to further inflame tensions. The situation unfolds as North Korea continues nuclear weapons development and strengthens ties with Russia.