(VOVworld) – The Republic of Korea (RoK) and the US have announced their annual military drills, called Key Resolve and Foal Eagle, due in March under the command of the Combined Forces Command despite strong protest from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Drills in 2013 led to a major spike in tensions with North Korea (photo: AP)

DPRK’s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea called the drills a rehearsal for invasion and warned RoK of the most miserable end if it cooperates with the US in launching a war against the DPRK.

Last month, Pyongyang offered a moratorium on nuclear testing if this year’s joint drills were cancelled. However, Seoul and Washington rejected the proposal, saying the joint drills were aimed at enhancing defense efficiency.