article_snippet: , a South Korean Defense Ministry official said.
article_snippet: two short-range ballistic missiles were fired as the United States and South Korea began annual military drills, which United States Forces Korea describes as "nonprovocative training" that are "an important component of readiness" for defending North Korea.
article_snippet: The annual joint military exercises, called Foal Eagle and Key Reserve, have long sparked tension between North Korea, North Korea and the United States.
article_snippet: North Korea state-run KCNA slammed the joint military exercises Monday, saying that the drills are "nothing but a smokescreen" by the United States and South Korea "to cover up the United States and South Korea surprise invasion of the north."
article_snippet: The situation on the Korean Peninsula is again inching close to the brink of a war," KCNA said, noting that North Korea military "will never remain a passive onlooker in this grave situation.
article_snippet: North Korea was informed on February 24 when the drills would be held, said Kim Min-seok, the South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman.
article_snippet: Our military is strictly warning North Korean military of the reckless and the provocative act.
article_snippet: Our will firmly and strongly respond to any North Korea provocation through solid united defense posture," North Korea Kim said.
highlights_snippet: The launch comes as the United States and North Korea begin joint military drills .
  
highlights_snippet: The annual exercises have long sparked tensions .