SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued directives for his military to be on high alert, ready to respond to any provocation from perceived enemies.
This comes in the wake of Pyongyang’s recent commitment to bolster its armed forces and deploy new weapons along the border with South Korea.
Tensions in the Korean peninsula escalated after North Korea launched a spy satellite last month. In response, Seoul suspended a crucial clause in the 2018 inter-Korean military accord, leading North Korea to declare its non-binding status with the agreement.
During a visit to North Korea’s air force command on Thursday, which coincided with the branch’s airmen day, Kim Jong Un outlined guidelines aimed at enhancing the military’s combat posture. The goal is to increase the capabilities of the armed forces to be fully prepared for potential warfare, as reported by the state news agency KCNA.
Operational and tactical policies were emphasized by Kim to counteract any military provocations and threats from the enemy promptly and powerfully. Following this, Kim visited a fighter wing, where pilots conducted a demonstration flight, showcasing the air force’s readiness for combat situations.
Photographs released by state media depicted Kim and his daughter dressed in long leather jackets, closely observing the demonstration. Kim commended the air force, acknowledging their full preparedness to carry out air combat missions under any unfavorable circumstances.
The international community, led by the United States and its allies, strongly condemned North Korea’s satellite launch, viewing it as a violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. Despite the criticism, Pyongyang asserted its right to self-defense and indicated plans for additional satellite launches.
In response to the satellite launch, the United States imposed fresh sanctions on North Korea, targeting foreign-based agents allegedly involved in facilitating sanctions evasion. Additionally, South Korea announced sanctions on 11 North Koreans.
The heightened strain in the region is reflected in South Korea’s decision to suspend tours of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas. North Korean soldiers in the Joint Security Area (JSA) within the DMZ reportedly resumed carrying firearms after the North withdrew from the inter-Korean military deal.
DMZ tours had recently restarted after being halted due to a U.S. soldier’s unauthorized crossing into North Korea during a tour in July. Private Travis King, returned by North Korea, now faces charges in the United States. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics and security challenges in the Korean peninsula, demanding careful diplomatic navigation.
