Pyongyang must be ready to use nuclear weapons at all times to prevent war, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said during missile tests, Reuters reports citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim Jong-un and his baby daughter watched drills simulating a nuclear counterattack in response to the threat from the United States and South Korea. The ballistic missile launch was a warning against escalating military exercises near North Korea’s borders, which are being conducted by Washington and Seoul.
“The exercises were also intended to demonstrate our stronger will for a real military response and to send a stronger warning to an enemy that is expanding its military exercises of aggression,” the KCNA statement said.
During the exercises, Mr. Kim himself noted the increased potential of the armed forces and called for being ready for an “immediate and devastating nuclear counterattack at any time”.
In addition, the KCNA reported on the increase in the size of the DPRK’s army. More than 1.4 million people have volunteered to join or re-engage in the fight against the United States and South Korea.
