North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly issued a directive to his military, instructing them to completely destroy South Korea and the United States in the event of any military confrontation initiated by the two nations. This comes as a response to the heightened military and political cooperation observed between South Korea and the US in 2023, coinciding with North Korea's extensive weapons testing activities, including the launch of a new solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and the successful placement of its first spy satellite into orbit.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) conveyed that, during a meeting with North Korea's top commanding officers in Pyongyang on New Year's Eve, Kim emphasized the need for the military to "annihilate" the enemy if provoked. Kim asserted that in the face of military confrontation and provocation by the DPRK's adversaries, the army should respond with a lethal blow, mobilizing all available means and potentialities without hesitation.
In a significant shift, Kim declared that he would no longer pursue reconciliation and reunification with South Korea, citing an uncontrollable crisis that he attributed to actions taken by Seoul and Washington. The situation remains tense, and developments are being closely monitored for any further escalation.
(With Agency Inputs)
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