Pyongyang: North Korea has vowed to “totally destroy” its enemies if leader Kim Jong Un gives the order, according to state media KCNA on Sunday. This declaration was made by senior military officials, including Army Colonel Ri Un Ryong and Navy Lieutenant Commander Yu Kyong Song, who expressed “surging hatred” towards the U.S. and South Korea at a meeting attended by Kim to commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
The remarks come amid ongoing tensions, as North Korea and the United States lack diplomatic ties and negotiations on reducing tensions and denuclearizing North Korea have stalled since 2019. Recently, North Korean state media indicated that they do not foresee any change in this stance, regardless of who is elected next in the White House.
Accusing the U.S. and South Korea of “being hell-bent on provoking a nuclear war,” the military officials pledged to enhance their war capabilities to launch an “overwhelming attack on the enemy anytime and without delay” upon Kim’s command.
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The Korean War hostilities ended on July 27, 1953, with an armistice agreement signed by North Korea, the United States, and China. The agreement, signed by U.S. generals on behalf of the United Nations forces supporting South Korea, marked the cessation of active conflict but did not establish a peace treaty, meaning the two Koreas remain technically at war.
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North Korea commemorates July 27 as “Victory Day”, whereas South Korea does not hold major events to mark the date.
