New verbal escalation from the North Korean dictator: official media report that Kim Jong Un ordered his army to “completely annihilate” the United States and South Korea in the event of provocation.
The North Korean leader also pledged to strengthen national defense to face what he called an unprecedented confrontation led by the United States.
Kim Jong Un is expected to step up his weapons testing in 2024, ahead of the US presidential election in November. Many experts say he likely believes his expanded nuclear arsenal would allow him to extract concessions from the United States if former President Donald Trump is re-elected.
At a major five-day meeting of the ruling party last week, Kim said he would launch three more military spy satellites, produce more nuclear materials and develop attack drones this year.