North Korea has threatened to take “more offensive actions” in response to recent US–South Korea security consultations and the arrival of an American aircraft carrier in South Korea, according to Reuters.
The warning came a day after Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, which it said was a response to new US sanctions targeting individuals and entities allegedly linked to cyber money-laundering operations.
According to Reuters, North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-Chol condemned the November 3 visit of US and South Korean defense ministers to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and their subsequent talks in Seoul.
He accused Washington and Seoul of attempting to “strengthen deterrence against the North” and of integrating their nuclear and conventional forces.
“This is an explicit and deliberate expression of their hostile nature—to confront the DPRK to the end,” No said, as quoted by Reuters.
The defense chief also criticized the arrival of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington at the port of Busan on November 5 following joint air drills between the allies. He warned that Pyongyang would “show more offensive actions to ensure peace through power.”
South Korea’s Defense Ministry condemned the North’s missile launch, calling Pyongyang’s criticism of the bilateral defense meeting “regrettable.” The US Indo-Pacific Command said the missile posed no immediate threat to the United States or its allies but highlighted the “destabilizing nature” of North Korea’s actions.
Earlier, South Korea’s Defense Intelligence Agency warned that North Korea is technically prepared to carry out a seventh nuclear test at short notice, pending a decision from Kim Jong Un, according to Yonhap on November 5. The agency also reported that Pyongyang is expanding its nuclear material stockpile and warhead production infrastructure.
-7f54d6f9a1e9b10de9b3e7ee663a18d9.png)
Every day we fight Russian disinformation and bring reports directly from the frontlines. Your help makes us
stronger.
Related articles