N. Korea Threatens "Overwhelming" Military Action As S. Korea & Japan Close Ranks

North Korea's military warned that it would take "sustained, resolute and overwhelming practical military measures" in response to the ongoing joint military exercise of South Korea and the U.S., the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

• Speculation is rife that Pyongyang could conduct its seventh nuclear test around the U.S. mid-term elections this week in order to magnify its psychological impact. North Korea is believed to have completed all necessary preparations.
• In an attempt to boost the demonstration effect of its recent barrage of missile launches, North Korea took an unusual step and unveiled the details of its military drills last week, albeit some of its claims were challenged by South Korean military.
• Deputy Foreign Affairs czars from the U.S., Japan and South Korea held trilateral talks to discuss North Korea's messaging and actions as the allies boost cooperation to increase readiness for joint response to regional threats.
• Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Forces held an international naval fleet review, with 12 nations joining the review, including South Korea. Seoul last participated in the review in 2015, before its bilateral relations with Japan soured during the presidency of Moon Jae-in.