NBC News reports that “North Korea accused the United States Wednesday of driving the region ‘to the brink of war’ amid the largest-ever joint military drills staged by America and Pyongyang’s bitter rival, South Korea.”  

“The Key Resolve and Foal Eagle exercises are an annual event and always draw ire from North Korea.”  

“This year, Washington has contributed some 17,000 U.S. troops to the drills provoking another strong reaction from the hermit nation.”