Kim Jong Un Warns of Nuclear Response Amid Missile Launch Celebration
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued a stark warning today, stating that Pyongyang would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if provoked by an enemy wielding nuclear weapons. The statement, reported by state media, came during Kim's meeting with soldiers from the military's missile bureau, where he congratulated them on the recent intercontinental ballistic missile launch.
Kim praised the recent missile test as a demonstration of the loyalty and strong stand of the armed forces. According to the Korean Central News Agency, he emphasized that the launch provided a "clear explanation of the offensive counteraction mode and the evolution of the nuclear strategy and doctrine of the DPRK not to hesitate even a nuclear attack when the enemy provokes it with nukes."
DPRK, short for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is the official name of North Korea.
The missile test, which North Korea claimed to be its newest ICBM, took place earlier this week, with the stated purpose of assessing the war readiness of its nuclear forces in the face of perceived increasing hostility from the United States.
In response to North Korea's recent ballistic missile launches, the top diplomats of the United States, South Korea, and Japan issued a joint statement on Wednesday, condemning the actions and urging Pyongyang to engage in "substantive dialogue without preconditions."
Kim Jong Un, however, reiterated the military's capabilities, emphasizing the high mobility and rapid attack capability demonstrated during Monday's launch. He called for further efforts to strengthen the combat efficiency of the armed forces, as reported by KCNA.
Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, also entered the diplomatic fray, condemning the United Nations Security Council for convening a meeting to discuss the ICBM launch. In her statement, she asserted that the UNSC should place responsibility on the United States and South Korea for their "irresponsible behavior and acts" that heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula.
As tensions escalate, the United States, South Korea, and Japan conducted a joint air drill near the Korean peninsula on Wednesday, deploying a U.S. strategic bomber as part of their commitment to enhancing defense readiness. The developments in the region continue to draw international attention and concern over the potential consequences of North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
