North Korea warned that the recent South Korean bombing mishap near the border risked dangerously escalating tensions, using the accident to sharply criticize ongoing U.S.-ROK springtime drills.

In a statement published on Wednesday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) referenced the March 6 incident in which two South Korean KF-16 fighter jets dropped eight MK-82 bombs on civilian property in Pocheon, injuring 29 people and damaging over 150 homes. 

While acknowledging Seoul’s explanation that the accident was caused by a targeting error, Pyongyang emphasized the incident’s proximity to the border and its timing ahead of joint U.S.-ROK military drills.