North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has condemned the ongoing joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea, describing them as a clear provocation and an expression of intent to ignite war. In response, Kim has called for the rapid expansion of North Korea's nuclear weapons program and naval capabilities. During an inspection of his country's most advanced warship, which is being equipped with nuclear-capable systems, Kim emphasized the need to strengthen North Korea's defense amid what he views as escalating regional tensions. Separately, tensions along the Korean border increased after South Korean troops fired over ten warning shots in response to a brief incursion by North Korean soldiers near the demilitarized zone (DMZ) while they were conducting a barrier construction project. North Korea labeled the shots as a serious provocation and warned of potential retaliation, raising concerns about uncontrollable conflict escalation in the region. No casualties were reported from the border incident.