North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Calls for Military Preparedness Amid US Tensions

Kim Jong-un has urged the North Korean army to make significant strides in war preparations. This call came with military drills that included various units and new weaponry. Concurrently, North Korea criticized the US for re-designating it as an uncooperative state in the fight against terrorism, calling for international rejection of this designation.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called on the military to achieve what he describes as a “radical turn” in war preparations. The directive was reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Saturday. Kim’s request came during his recent observation of the Guards 1st Air Wing, where he underscored the importance of constant readiness and full alertness in military units.

During the drills, participants included anti-air missile and radar units, alongside electronic warfare sub-units, showcasing a new long-range precision guided glide bomb. There was also a specific drill focused on conducting raids against targets, signifying a push towards enhanced military capabilities in the country.

Amidst these military developments, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry has publicly criticized the United States for re-designating the nation as an uncooperative state in combating terrorism. This designation is part of a broader list that also includes Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Venezuela, announced by the US on Tuesday.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson released a statement, published by KCNA, asserting that the international community must reject the US decision. They called the re-designation a unilateral and malicious campaign meant to smear independent sovereign states as “state sponsors of terrorism”—a tactic that they claim unfairly targets them for global scrutiny.

The Foreign Ministry dismissed the US’s initiative in anti-terrorism efforts as a guise for interfering in the internal matters of other nations. They emphasized that no nation has bestowed such leadership upon the United States in the realm of international anti-terrorist actions.

Furthermore, the North Korean officials reiterated their firm opposition to all forms of terrorism that jeopardize international peace and security, emphasizing their sovereign stance amidst rising pressures from the US.

Kim Jong-un’s call for a radical shift in military preparedness signals an escalated tension in North Korea’s stance towards both military operations and international relations. The backlash against the US’s terrorism re-designation reflects ongoing animosity, as North Korea seeks to assert its position on the global stage amidst criticism. This interplay of military readiness and diplomatic grievances could further complicate relations in an already tense geopolitical landscape.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr