Tensions are running high on the Korean Peninsula as the militaries of South and North Koreas exchanged warnings amid the Foal Eagle and Key Resolve exercises under way in the South.

The General Staff of the North Korean People's Army on Thursday issued a statement as the allied troops of South Korea and the U.S. kicked
off their annual military exercise. 

With the North Korean military leadership vowing a "merciless response" in the event of enemy troops dropping a shell on its territory, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the annual exercises are only defensive in nature. 

However the JCS Spokesman Roh Jae-cheon added that any North Korean provocation will be defeated without hesitation. He said if North Korea pushes ahead with provocations despite his warning, the South will protect its people and their assets by punishing the enemy. 

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