NORTH KOREA THREATENS NUCLEAR STRIKES
A joint military exercise between the United States and South Korea has North Korea on the edge of their seats. A statement released by North Korean run television said that, should there be any hint of provocation throughout the duration of this drill, Pyongyang would strike back and "turn the stronghold of provocation into a heap of ashes through Korean-style pre-emptive nuclear strike". This drill comes in the wake of the defection of Thae Yong Ho, a top North Korean diplomat. South Korean forces are concerned that Ho may be under threat from assassination squads from Pyongyang.