SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean and U.S. troops will begin their large annual joint military drills next week to enhance readiness against North Korean threats, the allies announced Thursday, days after North Korea threatened high-profile provocations against what it called escalating U.S.-led aggression.

North Korea criticised on Friday annual joint military drills planned by the United States and South Korea, saying it will worsen the situation on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA said. Annual South Korean and U.

North Korea threatened Friday that South Korea and the United States will pay a "horrible price" for their joint military exercise slated for next week, saying the drills will soon bring a "storm" that deteriorates the situation on the Peninsula.