In the latest development from Pyongyang, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered heightened readiness for war following his inspection of troops at a major military operations base in the country's west.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday that Kim emphasized the necessity for the military to dynamically usher in a new era of intensifying war preparations, aligning with the current situation.
While the exact location of the military base remains undisclosed, Kim's directive underscores the regime's commitment to bolstering its combat capabilities. The visit coincided with the commencement of the annual Freedom Shield joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
These exercises, which began on Monday, have seen a significant increase in troop participation compared to previous years, involving 48 field exercises covering a range of military operations, including missile interception drills, bombing exercises, air assaults, and live-firing exercises.
North Korea has long condemned such joint drills, viewing them as rehearsals for invasion and provocations. In response to previous exercises, the regime has conducted its own weapons tests.
On Monday, KCNA quoted an unnamed spokesperson from North Korea's Ministry of Defence urging Seoul and Washington to halt their "reckless" and "frantic war drills," warning of consequences for their actions.
While Thursday's report from KCNA did not directly mention Kim's remarks regarding the Freedom Shield drills, the heightened state of alert and the timing of his visit suggest a clear message to North Korea's adversaries.
