North Korea may conduct “strategic and tactical provocations” around U.S.-ROK joint exercises later this month, South Korea’s defense minister said in an all-commander meeting on Wednesday.

Lee Jong-sup cited North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s July 27 speech as evidence for the assessment, noting that Kim “strongly criticized” the Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s defense policies and joint drills. The minister also referenced an anticipated DPRK nuclear test.

“Considering how North Korea has wrapped up preparations for a seventh nuclear test, we have assessed that North Korea may conduct strategic and tactical provocations,” Lee said according to a defense ministry press release