The U.S. and South Korea hold drills as North launches missiles from sub

South Korean army soldiers ride K-5 self-propelled howitzers in Yeoncheon, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, Monday, March 13, 2023. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

SEOUL, South Korea — The South Korean and U.S. militaries launched their biggest joint military exercises in years Monday, as North Korea said it tested submarine-launched cruise missiles in apparent protest of the drills it views as an invasion rehearsal.

North Korea's missile tests Sunday signal the country likely will conduct provocative weapons testing activities during the U.S.-South Korean drills that are to run for 11 days. Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered his troops to be ready to repel its rivals' "frantic war preparation moves."