North Korea threatens nuclear response if 'sovereignty threatened' by South
What's the story
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued a warning, stating that his country would not hesitate to use all available offensive forces, including nuclear weapons, if South Korea were to threaten its sovereignty.
This statement was reported by the state news agency KCNA on Friday.
The warning follows a military event where South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol asserted that any nuclear aggression from the North would lead to the end of Kim's regime.
Tensions rise
Kim Jong Un condemns South Korean President's comments
During a visit to a special operations training base, Kim condemned Yoon's comments, claiming they demonstrated which side was undermining regional security and peace.
He described Yoon as "an abnormal man" for boasting about military capabilities at the doorstep of a nuclear-armed state, calling it ironic and foolish.
"If the enemy...attempts to use armed forces encroaching upon the sovereignty of the DPRK, the DPRK would use without hesitation all offensive forces it possesses," Kim said.
Military posturing
Escalating tensions between North and South Korea
The exchange of threats comes amid escalating tensions between the two Koreas. Recently, North Korea revealed a new nuclear facility and continued its missile testing program.
Separately, South Korea celebrated Armed Forces Day with a military parade showcasing a powerful ballistic missile capable of carrying a large warhead, alongside a flypast of a US bomber.
Counter warning
South Korea warns of 'resolute, overwhelming response'
In his speech, President Yoon warned that any attempt by Pyongyang to utilize nuclear arms would result in a "resolute, overwhelming response" from South Korea and its US allies.
He asserted that such actions would lead to the downfall of the North Korean regime.
However, Kim dismissed these threats, stating they would not deter North Korea's military strength or its commitment to maintaining its nuclear arsenal.
Strained relations
Ongoing military exercises exacerbate animosity
The current atmosphere of animosity has been exacerbated by ongoing military exercises between South Korea and the US, alongside a series of provocative missile tests from the North.
Communication channels between the Koreas have been effectively frozen since 2019, following the collapse of diplomatic efforts aimed at denuclearizing North Korea.
Despite this, both nations continue to engage in displays of military might and issue threats against each other.