In response to what he calls "unprecedented" aggressive behavior by the United States and its allies, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has issued an order for his country's military and industrial sectors to be ready for war.
During a 2024 planning conference of his governing Workers' Party on Wednesday, December 27, Kim reportedly said that the grave political and military situation on the Korean peninsula had come to its breaking point, according to state-run news agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Military-industrial, nuclear weapons, and civil defense sectors were allegedly pushed to complete war preparations even faster.
Preparation for war?
In a report by USA Today, Kim's threats have been consistent over the last several months, and his recent remarks are no exception. This follows the White House's recent reiteration of its steadfast intention to maintain prolonged deterrence against Pyongyang and its rejection of any military options, including nuclear, less than two weeks ago.
"Any nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies is unacceptable and will result in the end of the Kim regime," the White House statement said. Any nuclear strike on South Korea will be faced with an immediate, massive, and unwavering retaliation, it added.
North Korea finally succeeded last month after two unsuccessful efforts to launch a military surveillance satellite into space. The US and its allies see the satellite as a violation of resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council. As the world's political climate is constantly shifting, Kim promised on Wednesday to deepen ties of cooperation with "independent, anti-imperialist countries."
Harry Kazianis, a senior director of Washington's National Security Affairs at the Center for the National Interest, expressed his worries to USA Today about the potential escalation of tensions with North Korea.
The testing of Pyongyang's tactical nuclear weapons, which have been in development for some time, might trigger a crisis with Washington and Seoul, according to Kazianis. He warned that North Korea might fire an intercontinental ballistic missile hundreds of kilometers into the Pacific Ocean to prove it can reach the US.
Expected Aggression
On Thursday, December 28, South Korea's National Intelligence Service warned that Kim will likely stage military provocations in the months leading up to the 2024 US and South Korean presidential elections.
North Korea has a history of provoking South Korean elections, according to the agency. As reported by Yonhap News Agency of South Korea, Kim has also rehabilitated prominent officials who were engaged in high-profile provocations against Seoul.
On Wednesday, the South Korean military, police, and emergency personnel took part in defense drills designed to mimic an attack on Seoul by North Korea. To allay fears that Pyongyang's arms and covert assault plan are within striking distance of the city, these exercises were conducted.
