Kim Jong-un Urges Military Readiness Amid US Tensions

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for a “radical turn” in military preparations for war, according to KCNA. This announcement follows the US re-designating North Korea as an uncooperative state in the fight against terrorism, prompting a strong response from Pyongyang’s Foreign Ministry, which denounced the US’s actions as an unfounded smear campaign.

In a recent statement reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called on his military to instigate a “radical turn” in the country’s war preparedness. This comes amid heightened tensions and follows a display of military might, with recent drills observed, including advanced anti-air missile operations and new long-range precision weapons. These activities signal a commitment to maintaining constant readiness within the armed forces, as emphasized by Kim during observations of the Guards 1st Air Wing on Thursday.

The backdrop to Kim’s call is an ongoing dispute with the United States regarding North Korea’s status on the terrorism list. The North Korean Foreign Ministry responded forcefully, condemning the US for re-designating the country as an uncooperative state in counter-terrorism efforts. In a statement released on Saturday, a spokesperson for the ministry urged the international community to reject the US’s characterization of Pyongyang.

In a broader context, the US’s recent decision was made public earlier in the week, alongside similar designations for countries such as Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. The Foreign Ministry criticized this action as a unilateral campaign to smear the reputations of sovereign states, asserting that it aims to disproportionately label them as “state sponsors of terrorism.”

Defending its position, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry described the US counter-terrorism efforts as a pretext for meddling in the internal affairs of other nations. The statement further claimed that no global mandate grants the US the right to lead international anti-terrorism measures. Additionally, it reiterated North Korea’s firm stance against any form of terrorism that threatens global peace and security.

In summary, Kim Jong-un’s latest directive to the North Korean military underscores the country’s focus on enhancing its war readiness amidst tensions with the United States. The subsequent sharp rebuke from Pyongyang regarding its re-designation as an uncooperative state highlights the ongoing friction between the two nations. North Korea’s condemnation of the US’s actions reflects its broader perspective on international relations and self-determination, as it seeks to assert its sovereignty against outside pressures.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr