conflicts
North Korea wants to step up war preparations
Ruler Kim Jong Un sees himself threatened by “hostile forces”. photo
© -/KCNA/dpa
Pyongyang accuses “hostile forces” of planning a military confrontation. Ruler Kim Jong Un is now ordering “the people’s army to increase the war preparations in an offensive manner”.
Ruler Kim Jong Un signed a corresponding order, it said. Kim analyzed the situation on the peninsula and its surroundings and came to the conclusion “to increase the war preparations of the people’s army in an offensive manner”. The goal is to neutralize all forms of enemy attack should war break out.
The reports accused “hostile forces” of working towards a military confrontation with North Korea. North Korea, which is subject to international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons program, sees the United States and its ally South Korea as its enemies.
USA and South Korea want to expand military cooperation
Tensions have recently increased significantly. After an unprecedented series of missile tests last year, North Korea has again tested nuclear-capable missiles several times this year. The US and South Korea agreed in April to strengthen their military cooperation and, among other things, to expand their joint military exercises.
At the Pyongyang meeting, Kim Jong Un also reportedly fired former chief of staff Pak Su Il and replaced him with Ri Yong Gil. Preparations for a new military parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic on September 9 were also discussed.