North Korea's Nuclear Threats: Kim Jong Un's Warning to Seoul and Washington
In a significant escalation of rhetoric, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared that his country will utilize nuclear weapons
without hesitation
if the South or its American allies launch an attack. This statement was reported by the state-run KCNA agency amidst rising tensions between North Korea and South Korea.
Kim's comments came shortly after South Korea celebrated its Armed Forces Day, where President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a stark warning, stating that any use of nuclear weapons by North Korea would lead to the
end of his regime.
The North Korean leader responded by labeling Yoon a
puppet
and an
abnormal man.
The backdrop of these threats includes the recent military parade held in Seoul, showcasing South Korea's military capabilities. Kim emphasized that North Korea would employ all offensive means at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, to defend itself against perceived aggression from the South and its allies. This declaration aligns with North Korea's ongoing efforts to expand its nuclear arsenal, as evidenced by the recent release of images of its uranium enrichment facilities.
The relationship between North and South Korea has reached one of its most tense phases in recent years, particularly following North Korea's announcement in August regarding the deployment of 250 missile launchers along the border. As tensions mount, the presence of tens of thousands of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea continues to be a focal point of contention between the two nations.
